A group of House Democrats on Wednesday filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war in Iran, obstruction of congressional oversight and other claims of wrongdoing.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari, an Arizona Democrat whose parents are Iranian immigrants, introduced the articles along with a dozen Democratic co-sponsors from the left wing of the party.
“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, and carried out unlawful military actions despite his obligation to refuse — including strikes on civilians and a girls’ school in Minab, Iran,” Ms. Ansari said. “Hegseth’s conduct meets the threshold of high crimes and misdemeanors and warrants immediate removal by Congress.”
The articles have little chance of passing the GOP-led House but provide an early hint of actions Democrats may take to halt President Trump’s agenda if the party wins back control of the House in November.
Mr. Hegseth and the Iran war are top priorities for stepped-up oversight by Democrats.
Since the Iran war began, Democratic lawmakers have introduced nearly half a dozen resolutions that would halt the use of military force in Iran unless Congress approves it. All have been blocked by Republicans, who control both chambers.
In addition to the Iran war, the impeachment articles listed by Democrats include:
• Violations of the law of armed conflict and targeting of civilians.
• Negligence and reckless handling of military information.
• Obstruction of congressional oversight.
• Abuse of power and politicization of the armed forces.
• Conduct bringing disrepute upon the United States and its armed forces.
Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson dismissed the attempt to impeach Mr. Hegseth.
“This is just another Democrat trying to make headlines as the Department of War decisively and overwhelmingly achieved the President’s objectives in Iran,” she said. “Secretary Hegseth will continue to protect the homeland and project peace through strength. This is just another charade in an attempt to distract the American people from the major successes we have had here at the Department of War.”
Mr. Hegseth has sought to reform the military with directives aimed at strengthening its war-fighting capabilities and boosting recruitment.
He moved to rid the Pentagon of “woke” policies, such as diversity, equity and inclusion mandates, and has banned transgender service members.
The sole transgender lawmaker in Congress, Rep. Sarah McBride, Delaware Democrat, is a co-sponsor of the impeachment articles.
According to the Pentagon, Mr. Hegseth’s reforms boosted recruitment last year “to levels not seen in more than a decade.”
• Susan Ferrechio can be reached at sferrechio@washingtontimes.com.
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