Pete Hegseth faces impeachment as Republican Thomas Massie puts pressure on his own party

Pete Hegseth faces impeachment as Republican Thomas Massie puts pressure on his own party Following the midterm elections thrashing, Thomas Massie, who represents Kentucky, has this evening laid down the gauntlet to his own party — the Republicans A Republican congressman has tonight taken steps to force a vote to impeach US defence secretary Pete Hegseth. Thomas Massie put Republicans under pressure to decide whether to support removing one of President Donald Trump's most prominent administration officials. The politician, who represents Kentucky, moved to force the House vote on impeaching Hegseth, following the sweeping midterm election losses. The impeachment resolution, introduced by Massie, who has frequently broken with his party, centres primarily on the war in Iran. It also raises concerns about Hegseth's involvement in US military operations in Yemen and Venezuela. The House could vote on the measure as early as midweek. Hegseth announced plans to hold a news conference Tuesday, marking his first appearance before reporters in more than 180 days. He is expected to address the impeachment effort while defending the administration's military campaign in Iran, insisting the conflict was necessary despite its lack of public support. Congress returned to Washington on Monday for a six-week legislative sprint, as Republicans attempt to advance their remaining priorities before Democrats assume control of both chambers on January 3, 2027. The return of lawmakers marks the beginning of a political transition, with incoming and outgoing members converging on Capitol Hill. 'They'll have hearings and trials' Massie, 55, has said the process would be "much gentler" than what is set to come once Republicans cede control of Congress next year. He wrote on X: "They'll have hearings and trials." But on Monday, Trump defended Hegseth against impeachment efforts by lawmakers in the House of Representatives. Speaking in an interview with reporters, the US President said: "Well, he won two wars. I don't know how you can impeach him." "Well, what about impeaching the people from Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and all of that, where we fought forever and nothing happened?" Supreme court clears way for border wall construction in Texas The development comes as the Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to temporarily resume construction of a border wall in Texas' Big Bend region. Border security remains a central priority for Trump, who has pledged to extend the barrier from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Republicans approved $46billion (£34billion) in funding for the project last summer. Customs and Border Protection officials have been constructing approximately 12 miles of barriers each week. However, the project in the Big Bend region has faced bipartisan criticism, with opponents arguing that illegal immigration in the area has historically been low and that the construction represents an unnecessary expense. Critics have suggested investing in surveillance technology as a more practical alternative.