BREAKING: Thanedar files impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Hegseth, citing deadly strike and classified info breach
Rep. Shri Thanedar has just taken the rare step of seeking to impeach a sitting Secretary of Defense. Today, I can confirm he formally filed H.Res. 935, a two‑count resolution against Pete Hegseth. The first article alleges murder and conspiracy to murder tied to a strike on a Venezuelan vessel. The second alleges reckless mishandling of classified information tied to the Pentagon communications scandal known as Signalgate. This is a hard shot at the core of civilian control of the military, and it lands with real force.
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What Thanedar filed, and why it matters
The resolution spells out a stark claim. Thanedar says Hegseth approved an operation that ordered the killing of every person on a small vessel, without proof of hostile intent. He also alleges a follow up strike targeted survivors. He frames this as a violation of U.S. law and the laws of war.
The second article centers on Signalgate. Thanedar says senior defense communications were handled on insecure channels. He argues that Hegseth ignored classification rules, and put lives and operations at risk. In plain terms, he is accusing the Pentagon chief of breaking the rules he is supposed to enforce.
The charges are murder and conspiracy to murder, and reckless, unlawful mishandling of classified information.
This is not a symbolic press release. It is a filed impeachment resolution, which is a formal action. It brings the House into direct conflict with the Defense Department. Even if it goes nowhere, it sets a marker on the record.
The facts Thanedar is pressing
- A disputed deadly strike on a Venezuelan drug running vessel, including an alleged second strike on survivors.
- Use of encrypted apps for official business, and alleged exposure of classified material.
Thanedar announced his plan on December 5 at a Washington rally. He filed on December 9, with clear language that reads like an indictment. He has moved this way before, including an impeachment push earlier this year against former President Trump. He has also pushed aggressive oversight and policing reforms. This is part of a pattern, and it is aimed at reshaping how power is checked in Washington.
The partisan battlefield
Let us be clear about the math. Republicans control the House. They also put Hegseth at the Pentagon and have defended his security policies. GOP leaders can send this resolution to committee and leave it there. They can also deny it a floor vote. That is the likely path.
Democratic leaders are not rushing to back Thanedar either. Some worry the move will be seen as a stunt. Others fear blowback on national security politics. The left flank sees a chance to force a debate on rules of engagement and secrecy. The center sees risk. That split is real, and it will shape how far this effort goes.
Still, impeachment talk changes the air. Committees will face new pressure for hearings and subpoenas. Pentagon lawyers are already bracing for document demands, especially on the strike package and the message logs.
These are allegations, not proven crimes. Impeachment is a political process that tests evidence in public view.
What happens next in the House
Impeachment of a cabinet officer is rare, but it is allowed. The resolution is expected to be referred to the Judiciary Committee, possibly with Armed Services input. The chair can hold it, or schedule a hearing. If it advances, the full House would vote on each article. Conviction would then require a two thirds vote in the Senate, which is a very high bar.
If you want movement, watch for three signs, a referral notice, a hearing schedule, and any document preservation orders to the Pentagon.
Even without a vote, this filing forces the oversight question. Did the Pentagon follow the law in the Venezuela operation. Did the Secretary protect classified information. The White House will need answers, and fast.
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The civic and policy stakes
This is a stress test for civilian oversight of the military. Congress is asking if lethal force rules were followed. It is also asking if the Pentagon kept secrets safe. Those questions affect U.S. credibility abroad, and trust at home.
Expect ripple effects. Rules of engagement may get fresh review. Messaging tools inside the Defense Department will face tighter controls. Allies will watch for signals on discipline and transparency. Families near U.S. bases, including in Michigan, will ask if the brass can be held to the same rules as everyone else. That is healthy for democracy, even if it is messy and loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a cabinet secretary be impeached
A: Yes. The Constitution allows impeachment of civil officers. That includes cabinet members.
Q: What exactly did Thanedar file
A: H.Res. 935, with Article I for murder and conspiracy to murder, and Article II for reckless mishandling of classified information.
Q: Will this get a House vote
A: Unlikely right now. Republicans run the House. They can keep it in committee.
Q: What is Signalgate
A: It refers to alleged use of insecure messaging for Pentagon business, and possible exposure of classified material.
Q: What does this mean for the Pentagon
A: Expect tough oversight requests, possible hearings, and tighter rules on targeting and communications.
In short, Thanedar has thrown a political grenade into the heart of U.S. defense policy. The votes may not be there, but the questions are. They will not go away until Congress, and the Pentagon, put the facts on the table.
