House Democrats introduce 6 articles of impeachment against Pete Hegseth
House Democrats introduced six articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) led the effort, joined by eight other Democratic Representatives. The charges focus on Hegseth’s actions during the Iran war, his handling of sensitive information, and his conduct that allegedly damaged the United States’ reputation worldwide. "Pete Hegseth broke his oath to the Constitution, put U.S. troops at grave risk through the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, engaged in abuse of office, and conduct beneath the dignity of his office," Ansari said in a statement.
According to the impeachment resolution, the six articles in the seven-page impeachment resolution include:
'Unauthorized war against Iran and reckless endangerment of United States service members'
It alleges that Pete Hegseth violated Article I of the Constitution, which grants Congress the sole authority to declare war, by failing to obtain approval before engaging in military action against Iran. The resolution further states that these actions placed the lives of American service members at significant risk.
'Violations of the Law of Armed Conflict and targeting of civilians'
This article states that Hegseth has "authorized, condoned, or failed to" adhere to international laws protecting civilians and infrastructure. The resolution cites the bombing of a girls' school in Minab and an attack on alleged drug boats from Venezuela. It also alleges Hegseth violated the Geneva Conventions by stating the U.S. would give "no quarter, no mercy for our enemies."
'Negligence and Reckless handling of sensitive military information'
Under this clause, House Democrats are questioning Hegseth's ability to handle classified data, citing a 2025 scandal in which The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg was reportedly added to a Signal chat. In that chat, the Secretary allegedly discussed plans to attack Yemen with other top U.S. officials.
'Obstruction of Congressional Oversight'
This article accuses the Secretary of failing to provide Congress with "timely and complete information regarding military operations" and withholding facts regarding civilian casualties in Iran and Venezuela. It further claims Hegseth interfered with "the ability of Congress to exercise its constitutional responsibilities."
'Abuse of power and politicization of the Armed Forces'
The resolution accuses Hegseth of using his position to influence military decisions for "improper political purposes." He is also accused of intervening in disciplinary matters in a manner inconsistent with the law, including "launching bogus investigations against specific elected officials for the express purpose of political retribution."
'Conduct bringing disrepute upon the United States and its armed forces'
This article alleges Hegseth acted in a manner inconsistent with the office of Secretary of Defense. It cites the undermining of the NATO treaty, violations of public servant conduct laws, and improper intervention in military promotion and recruitment processes.
Although the resolution is not expected to pass in the House, it shows that Democrats are strongly opposed to Hegseth and the administration's foreign policy. The Pentagon has dismissed the move, with press secretary Kingsley Wilson saying, "This is just another Democrat trying to make headlines as the Department of War decisively and overwhelmingly achieved the President's objectives in Iran."
