UPDATE — Nov. 10, 2026: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed back Tuesday, calling Rep. Thomas Massie’s impeachment effort a “political spectacle” and defending the military operations as lawful actions ordered by President Donald Trump.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth argued that Massie was trying to turn policy disagreements into impeachable offenses. He said those disputes should be settled through legislation, debate and elections.

Hegseth also invoked previous administrations, citing military operations under Presidents Reagan, Clinton, Obama and Biden. He argued that their defense secretaries had not been impeached for carrying out comparable operations.

That is the dispute now before lawmakers: Hegseth says he carried out lawful presidential orders. Massie alleges violations of law and abuses of authority that warrant removal. Neither the charges nor Hegseth’s denial settles the evidence.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., moved Monday to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The showdown could come before January’s new Congress gets its seats warm.

Massie’s charges include waging unauthorized war in Iran and Yemen, unlawful killings during strikes on suspected drug boats, disregarding civilian protections and retaliating against Sen. Mark Kelly over protected speech. These are allegations Congress must weigh, not established findings.

The privileged resolution requires House consideration within two legislative days. Republican leaders could try to table it, giving members a procedural exit instead of a direct vote on the charges. Hegseth calls the effort a sham.

Here’s where the arithmetic matters: A House majority can impeach him. Removing him takes conviction by two-thirds of senators present. Those are separate fights.

Massie has put the charges on the table. Now lawmakers have to put their names beside their votes.