House Democrat introduces impeachment charges against Hegseth

Representative Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) declared on Thursday his intention to introduce articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who is currently embroiled in multiple controversies within the Defense Department.

This secretary cannot remain in office, Thanedar told Fox News host Josh Breslow. He is unfit for his role, has broken laws, and engaged in actions that amount to war crimes. Immediate removal is necessary.

He emphasized, If members of both parties evaluate this case on its merits rather than political loyalty, this action can succeed.

Thanedar highlighted Hegseths use of the encrypted messaging platform Signal to communicate with other administration officials about a planned strike on Houthi targets in Yemen. A Pentagon inspector general report, released publicly on Thursday, concluded that Hegseth endangered U.S. troops and violated department protocols by using the app. The report noted that journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, Vice President Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were participants in the Signal conversation. The Office of Inspector General warned that interception of the detailed strike plans could have placed American personnel in jeopardy.

In addition, Thanedar referenced reporting indicating that Hegseth ordered military forces to kill everyone during a September 2 operation targeting an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean. The missions commanding officer, Admiral Frank Bradley, executed the strike despite observing two individuals clinging to the wreckage.

According to Thanedar, these incidents demonstrate the necessity of bipartisan accountability, citing past examples where lawmakers from both parties united, such as efforts to release documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

He stressed, Republicans must examine this case based on law, not loyalty to former President Trump. Legal violations and war crimes are at stake, and Hegseth is evading accountability.

Following confirmation by the White House regarding the September 2 directive, Hegseth claimed he was unaware of the second strike until hours later. Reports indicated that four strikes were conducted in totaltwo targeting everyone aboard the vessel and two to sink it. Hegseth and White House officials have defended the operations amid rising U.S.-Venezuela tensions.

Thanedar joins a group of lawmakers and former officials, including Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and ex-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, in accusing Hegseth of war crimes.

Author: Ethan Caldwell