Democratic Representative Yassamin Ansari Plans to Introduce Impeachment Articles Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Ansari, an Iranian American, cited Hegseth's involvement in what she described as an illegal war with Iran. A spokesperson for Ansari's office told Newsweek that the articles will be introduced early next week when the House floor reopens.

The announcement comes amid a conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran that has lasted nearly six weeks. U.S. conducted strikes in Iran under Operation Epic Fury. Dozens of top Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have been killed in the conflict, according to reports.

-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that more than 3,500 people have been killed in Iran since the war started, including at least 1,665 civilians. The conflict has extended beyond Iran, with Israel conducting military operations in Lebanon that the Lebanese Health Ministry said killed at least 1,500 people.

Ansari's post highlighted threats to Iranian civilian infrastructure and risks to Americans and service members.

In her statement, Ansari said the war has killed thousands of civilians, led to deaths of American service members, and displaced over a million people in Iran. She referenced the bombing of a girls' school in Minab, Iran, early in the war. U.S. error.

The Defense Department is continuing its investigation into the Minab incident. President Donald Trump initially accused Iran of the strike. Ansari's announcement followed hours before Trump posted on Truth Social about potential consequences if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz; a two-week ceasefire with Iran has since taken effect.

This is not the first impeachment attempt against Hegseth.

In December, Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan introduced articles of impeachment, which did not advance. Thanedar stated at the time that Hegseth's actions were illegal. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson responded to Ansari's announcement, telling Newsweek that the effort is an attempt to distract from the Department of Defense's achievements in meeting the president's objectives in Iran.

Wilson said Hegseth will continue to focus on protecting the homeland and projecting peace through strength. The impeachment push occurs as two Cabinet members have recently left the Trump administration: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi. The articles, if introduced, would require House approval to proceed to a vote.

Congress holds the constitutional power to declare war, as noted in Ansari's statement.

Impeachment Process Impeachment articles against a Cabinet secretary would be considered by the House of Representatives.

If passed, the Senate would conduct a trial. No timeline has been specified beyond the planned introduction next week.