Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) threw her support behind Rep. Thomas Massie's (R-Ky.) push to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, telling reporters outside the Capitol on Tuesday night that the Kentucky Republican's articles are "completely legitimate."
"So, of course, I'm supportive of impeaching Secretary Hegseth," Ocasio-Cortez said when asked about her vote and the future of the effort. "I think that Massie's articles are completely legitimate. So, I also believe that we'll see."
She went further, suggesting the measure could succeed if brought back up. "You know, I think that given how the margins were, it's possible that Massie would bring this up again, and I think it's entirely possible that we — it could pass as well," she added.
Earlier Tuesday, House Republicans tabled Massie's resolution, effectively halting any immediate vote on impeaching Hegseth. The chamber voted 211-204 to refer the measure to committee, a procedural move that sidelines the effort until next year. Every Democrat present supported advancing the resolution, while Massie was the lone Republican to break ranks. The vote underscores the partisan divide over Hegseth's tenure and the administration's military actions.
Massie has been an outspoken critic of the U.S. war against Iran, a conflict that has grown increasingly unpopular with the American public. His eight articles of impeachment accuse Hegseth of abusing U.S. military operations in Yemen, Iran, the Caribbean, and the Eastern Pacific, as well as the operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. The articles reflect broader concerns about the administration's use of military force without congressional authorization.
Democrats are poised to take control of both the House and Senate next year, which would give them a stronger hand in pursuing impeachment if they choose to do so after Congress changes hands. Ocasio-Cortez's comments signal that the effort may not be dead, even as Republicans have temporarily blocked it.
The procedural vote also highlighted internal GOP dynamics, with Massie standing alone in his party. His willingness to challenge the administration on war powers has drawn attention from both sides of the aisle. As the conflict with Iran continues to draw scrutiny, the push to hold Hegseth accountable appears far from over.
For now, the referral to committee means the impeachment resolution will not receive a floor vote in this Congress. But with Democrats set to assume control and public opinion turning against the Iran war, the issue is likely to resurface. Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement adds prominent progressive backing to Massie's effort, potentially setting the stage for a renewed clash over Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon.
