Massie issues resignation ultimatum to War Secretary Hegseth after midterm losses

Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, gave War Secretary Pete Hegseth an ultimatum on Wednesday night to resign or face impeachment when the House of Representatives returns, the Washington Examiner reported. WHAS11 reported that Massie plans to force a vote on articles of impeachment against Hegseth during the final stretch of the 119th Congress. [1][8]

Massie's move follows heavy Republican losses in the midterm elections, which several figures inside the party have linked to the war in Iran. The Washington Examiner and Fox News reported that conservative figures and White House officials blame the conflict for the election outcomes. Fox News and PBS NewsHour reported that Vice President JD Vance publicly blamed the Iran war for the party's losses. Fox News also reported that President Donald Trump insisted the war was necessary. [1][4][5][6][7]

President Donald Trump expressed public support for Hegseth on Wednesday, stating during a White House event that the secretary is doing a very good job, the Washington Examiner and Fox News reported. However, Fox News reported that administration insiders and a White House official suggested Trump might still hold Hegseth accountable during the lame duck session. [2][4]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Hegseth has faced mounting pressure from fellow Republicans after major election defeats, though he previously ruled out resigning to accept a Senate appointment. FTMQ News also previously reported that Hegseth removed Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia from his role as top Pentagon planner in October following allegations of leaking classified information. [11][12]