Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is betting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's tenure will end before 2026. In an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins on The Source, Massie said there is “a high probability that Pete Hegseth won’t make it until December 31st of this year.”
Massie, who has been a vocal critic of Hegseth's policies, filed articles of impeachment against the Pentagon chief on Monday, fulfilling a promise he had made earlier. He read the articles aloud on the House floor shortly after 2 p.m. EST, detailing what he called “high crimes and misdemeanors” related to military operations and alleged violations of international law.
The Kentucky Republican did not mince words when describing Hegseth's record. “He’s been effective at killing 200 school children, he was effective at bombing fishing boats that may or may not have had people who were guilty of smuggling drugs,” Massie said. He also accused Hegseth of “waging an unconstitutional kidnapping in Venezuela,” referring to U.S. operations that have captured oil assets in the region.
Hegseth, for his part, brushed off the impeachment effort earlier Monday, saying he was not “worried” and announcing a press conference for Tuesday morning. Massie interpreted that as a sign of panic. “They’re worried. I mean, it’s that simple,” he told Collins.
President Trump quickly came to Hegseth's defense, posting on Truth Social that Massie is “a total loser” and praising Hegseth as “perhaps the most popular and successful military official in the Country.” Trump touted recruitment gains and what he called “two victories” in Venezuela and Iran, urging Congress to “stand up for Pete.”
The impeachment push adds to the mounting pressure on Hegseth, who has already faced scrutiny over his management of the Pentagon. Some Republicans have expressed concerns about his leadership, while Democrats have signaled support for the effort. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has backed the impeachment push, though it remains unclear if it will gain traction in a Republican-controlled chamber.
Massie's move comes amid a broader political showdown over military policy and executive power. The chaotic return to Washington has been marked by sharp partisan clashes, and Hegseth's future is likely to be a flashpoint in the coming months.
Hegseth has also been working to reshape military education, overhauling curriculum at institutions like the Naval War College even as impeachment threats loom. His defenders argue he is modernizing the armed forces, while critics say his actions overstep legal bounds.
The Pentagon has not yet responded to a request for comment. The Hill reached out for reaction but had not received a reply as of publication.
Whether Massie's prediction holds remains to be seen. But with impeachment articles formally introduced, the pressure on Hegseth is only likely to intensify.
