Hegseth faces Nov. 9 removal vote as Massie files impeachment articles

A removal vote for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled for Nov. 9, one day after the midterm elections. The date marks the return of the House to session and serves as the target for a coordinated effort to oust the secretary. The timing places the political showdown immediately after voters cast their ballots for the next congressional majority.

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a Republican, filed articles of impeachment in September. The documents accuse Hegseth of abusing his office by executing an order for hostilities against Iran without approval from Congress. Massie has stated his intent to force an impeachment vote shortly after the House reconvenes. This action provides a procedural mechanism for the vote, regardless of the election outcome.

Democratic leadership has signaled a similar agenda for the post-election period. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month regarding the party's plans. "One of the first things we're going to do in the majority, we're going to run Pete Hegseth out of town," Jeffries said. The statement outlines the strategy for the incoming majority if Democrats gain control of the chamber.

Other members of the House have used sharp language to describe the Defense Secretary. Rep. Pramila Jayapal labeled Hegseth "incompetent and, frankly, corrupt" during a recent CNN interview. Rep. Jared Huffman called him an "unhinged fanatic who should be impeached and removed from office." These comments reflect a unified stance among key lawmakers on the need for accountability.

The political pressure coincides with a high-profile diplomatic trip to Israel. Hegseth held a covert meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ovda air base on Monday. The meeting occurred days before Israel's election. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz attended the sit-down, while IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior officials were excluded for confidentiality reasons.

Hegseth confirmed the visit took place but declined to elaborate on the details of the conversation. Reports indicate that Iran was the main topic of discussion. The timing of the visit and the subsequent push for impeachment in Washington links Hegseth's overseas actions directly to the domestic political calendar.