Hegseth Faces Removal Vote as Massie Targets Nov. 9 Floor Action

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie aims to force a House vote on removing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from office on Nov. 9. The date falls one week after the midterm elections and marks the return of the House to session. Massie filed articles of impeachment in September, accusing the secretary of executing an order for hostilities against Iran without congressional approval.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that House Democrats are also preparing to impeach Hegseth if they win a majority in the November elections. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaled this intent at a Pennsylvania rally earlier this month. He stated, "One of the first things we're going to do in the majority, we're going to run Pete Hegseth out of town," according to the report.

Democratic lawmakers have used sharp language to describe the secretary. Rep. Pramila Jayapal called Hegseth "incompetent and, frankly, corrupt" in a CNN interview. Rep. Jared Huffman labeled him an "unhinged fanatic who should be impeached and removed from office." These comments align with the procedural groundwork reported by the Journal.

Hegseth’s recent overseas travel has added to the scrutiny. Two sources told Walla that the defense secretary held a covert meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Ovda air base on Monday. This meeting occurred days before Israel's general election. Hegseth confirmed the visit took place but declined to provide details on the conversation.

According to a KAN News report on Tuesday, Iran was the main topic of discussion during the sit-down. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly attended the meeting. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior Israeli officials were excluded for confidentiality reasons.

The push for removal involves both parties working toward similar ends through different timelines. Massie seeks a vote immediately upon the House's return from recess. Democrats are drafting their case now to be ready if election results grant them control of the chamber. The Nov. 9 target places the procedural decision in the immediate aftermath of the national vote.