Hegseth removal vote targeted for Nov. 9 as Massie files articles

Rep. Thomas Massie plans to force a House vote on removing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Nov. 9.

The date falls the day after the midterm elections. Massie, a Kentucky Republican, filed articles of impeachment in September. The articles charge Hegseth with abusing his office. They cite an order for hostilities against Iran that lacked Congressional approval.

Massie has described himself as a critic of the war on Iran and American aid to Israel. He intends to push for the vote when the House returns to session. The Wall Street Journal reported the timeline on Friday.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries outlined Democratic intentions earlier this month. Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, Jeffries said the party would "run Pete Hegseth out of town" upon taking the majority.

Other Democrats have used sharper language. Rep. Pramila Jayapal called Hegseth "incompetent and, frankly, corrupt" during a CNN interview. Rep. Jared Huffman labeled him an "unhinged fanatic who should be impeached and removed from office."

Hegseth’s recent travels have increased scrutiny. He met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Ovda air base on Monday. The meeting occurred days before Israel’s election. Two sources confirmed the event to Walla on Tuesday.

Hegseth confirmed the visit occurred but declined to detail the conversation. KAN News reported that Iran was the main topic. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz attended the sit-down. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior officials were not invited to maintain confidentiality.