Massie files articles as Hegseth faces Nov. 9 removal vote after Netanyahu meeting

Rep. Thomas Massie plans to force a House vote on removing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from office on November 9, the week after the midterm elections. The Kentucky Republican filed articles of impeachment in September, accusing Hegseth of abusing his authority by ordering military hostilities against Iran without a vote from Congress.

Massie is not acting alone. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, House Democrats are preparing to impeach Hegseth if they secure a majority in the November elections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated at a rally in Pennsylvania that removing the secretary would be one of the party's first actions in a majority.

Criticism of Hegseth has intensified across the aisle. Rep. Pramila Jayapal described the secretary as incompetent and corrupt in a recent interview. Rep. Jared Huffman called him an unhinged fanatic who should be removed from office. These comments align with Massie's push for a formal vote shortly after the House returns to session.

The momentum for removal coincides with scrutiny of Hegseth's recent activities overseas. The defense secretary held a covert meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ovda air base on Monday. This meeting took place days before Israel's general election. Two sources confirmed the visit to Walla on Tuesday.

Hegseth confirmed the meeting occurred but declined to share details about the conversation. KAN News reported that Iran was the primary topic of discussion. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly attended the session. Senior Israeli military officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, were not invited to maintain confidentiality.

The timing of the vote places the decision directly in the hands of the new House leadership. If Democrats win control, Jeffries has signaled that Hegseth's departure will be a priority. If Republicans hold the chamber, Massie's articles remain the main vehicle for a formal removal effort. The November 9 date falls immediately after voters cast ballots in the midterms.

Hegseth's position is currently secure in the executive branch, but the legislative push threatens his tenure. The combination of Massie's bipartisan filing and Democratic promises of a swift ouster creates a narrow window for a House vote. The outcome of the midterm elections will determine whether the process moves from planning to procedure.