Republican lawmaker launched eight articles of impeachment against US Defence chief Hegseth

Days after US President Donald Trump's party suffered a drastic midterm defeat, a Republican lawmaker has made a move to impeach US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war in Iran, triggering a vote in the House of Representatives as early as this week.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has submitted eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of abusing his powers and illegally waging war on Iran. He also cited the school attack launched in the early days of the war, in which a US strike killed 120 children.

Fast-track procedure

Massie is using a special procedure that requires the House to consider his resolution within two days, meaning the vote could take place as early as Wednesday in the currently Republican-controlled House, with some lawmakers potentially joining Democrats in backing the charges.

Trump's unwavering support

Although impeachment would be a humiliating blow to the Trump administration, Trump continued to back Hegseth on Monday, saying he would stand by him if he were impeached. The US President also stated that Hegseth had done a 'good job' and had 'won' wars in Iran and Venezuela, referring to the illegal capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Political implications

Even if Hegseth is impeached, he would not automatically be removed from office, as conviction and removal would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate, a much tougher hurdle, even after Democrats take control on 3 January.

The Republicans' recent election defeat has caused divisions within the party, potentially leading some lawmakers to abstain from voting and making it easier for the impeachment resolution to pass.