Overview
- Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed a 34-page privileged resolution accusing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of abusing his authority in U.S. actions related to the war with Iran and alleging improper Pentagon activity tied to Venezuela, a move that normally forces quick floor consideration.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Wednesday that the chamber would adjourn early for a seven-week campaign recess, a step that delays any required vote on Massie’s resolution until after the November elections.
- Johnson and other GOP leaders say they plan to table or discard the resolution when the House returns and have publicly defended Hegseth against the allegations.
- The Justice Department publicly backed Hegseth, with DOJ official Todd Blanche saying Hegseth complies with the law and is doing a strong job, increasing executive-branch resistance to a GOP removal effort.
- Democrats have their own symbolic impeachment push against President Donald Trump led by Rep. Al Green and Democratic leaders signaled they will vote ‘present’ on related procedure, a dynamic that highlights how impeachment motions are being used as political leverage and are creating strain for party leaders before the midterms.