WASHINGTON — Rep. Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Tuesday for waging the Iran war without congressional approval.

Massie (R-Ky.) made the surprise announcement on the House floor, accusing Hegseth of violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires congressional authorization to conduct military operations lasting longer than 90 days.

“Peter Brian Hegseth, and and his capacity as Secretary of Defense has executed unlawful orders in contravention of Section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution of 1973,” Massie declared.

Congressman Thomas Massie reads Articles of Impeachment against Pete Hegseth on the House floor. US House Clerk

“Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law.”

Massie aims to force a House vote on his impeachment resolution this week, though Republicans can vote to table it. The lame-duck rep who was ousted by a Trump-backed opponent, however, is reigniting the anti-war debate just before the midterm elections.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a ceremony to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, in Washington. AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Although Republicans control both chambers of Congress, the House and the Senate passed resolutions earlier this year calling on President Trump to end the Iran war. The Trump administration said the conflict ended after an initial phase of fighting, arguably resetting the 90-day clock.

Trump has sought to negotiate a deal with Iran that ends that country’s nuclear program and reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Massie, a libertarian and cost conscious rep, is known to buck the White House, namely on forcing the rel