How could Pete Hegseth face impeachment and removal from office?

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth could face an impeachment vote in the House of Representatives this week over allegations of abusing his authority, including launching military action against Iran without an imminent threat or congressional approval.

The move was initiated by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday. The defence secretary has denied wrongdoing, while President Donald Trump has pledged to support him.

The US Constitution allows the president, vice president and other civil officers to be impeached for treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanours. Although the Constitution does not clearly define the latter term, it has historically included abuses of power and breaches of public trust.

A simple majority in the 435-member House is required to impeach a federal official. Republicans currently hold 218 seats against 214 for Democrats.

However, Republican leaders are expected to use procedural measures to block the resolution. They could seek to end the move without debate or refer it to a committee for further examination. Both options require a simple majority.

If these efforts fail, lawmakers could proceed with a vote on the impeachment charges. Democratic support for Massie’s resolution could give it a chance of passing in the House.

What happens if the House approves impeachment?

An impeachment vote would not immediately remove Hegseth from office. It would formally bring charges against him, similar to an indictment in a criminal case.

The matter would then move to the Senate, which could dismiss the charges or conduct a trial to decide whether he should be removed.

During the proceedings, members of the House would act as prosecutors, while senators would serve as jurors and hear evidence and witness testimony.

A conviction would require the support of two-thirds of senators present. If found guilty, Hegseth would immediately lose his position.

The Senate currently has 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats, making conviction a difficult prospect. A trial could also be avoided or ended if a majority of senators voted to dismiss the charges.

Although the resolution could secure enough support in the House, removing Hegseth through a Senate conviction appears unlikely under the current political balance.

Republicans are expected to retain control of both chambers until January 3, 2027, when the new Congress takes office and Democrats are set to take control of the House and Senate.

Massie’s resolution will expire on that date if the House does not vote on its merits before then. Massie, who lost his primary election, will not return to Congress next year. Another lawmaker would therefore need to introduce fresh impeachment articles if the measure remains pending.

However, if the House approves impeachment during the current Congress, the Senate could hold the trial next year, even after the change in congressional leadership.

Who has faced impeachment in the past?

If the House approves the charges, Hegseth would become only the third US Cabinet secretary to be impeached.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached in 2024 over the Biden administration’s handling of the US-Mexico border. The Senate dismissed the charges before a full trial.

William Belknap, who served as secretary of war under President Ulysses S. Grant, was impeached in 1876 over corruption allegations shortly after resigning. He was later acquitted by the Senate.

Trump himself was impeached twice. The first impeachment came in December 2019 over allegations linked to his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden. The Senate acquitted him in February 2020.

He was impeached again in January 2021 over accusations of inciting the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. The Senate again acquitted him, with seven Republican senators joining Democrats in voting for conviction.