A possible Democratic House majority could put Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth under broader congressional scrutiny next year, as public impeachment efforts and an unresolved Republican proposal keep the issue before lawmakers.
The Telegraph reported Oct. 21 that Democrats had approached potential whistleblowers and were considering subpoenas for people close to Hegseth if they won the House. The outlet cited unnamed sources and did not identify anyone contacted. The outreach claim remains unverified.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari's House office said she filed six articles of impeachment against Hegseth with 13 Democratic cosponsors. The filing alleges misconduct related to the Iran war, civilian casualties, sensitive information, congressional oversight, abuse of power and conduct bringing disrepute. Those are allegations, not findings by the House.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie gave notice in September of an eight-count draft resolution against Hegseth. Its proposed charges include alleged breaches of war-powers limits and extrajudicial killings. The Associated Press reported that lawmakers adjourned before the proposal came to a vote.
A Defense Department inspector general review found that Hegseth shared nonpublic details of planned Yemen strikes over Signal from a personal phone. The watchdog determined that sending the material this way broke department rules and could put U.S. personnel and mission objectives at risk. The review did not determine whether a crime had occurred.
Democrats have also spoken publicly about possible action. Semafor reported Oct. 9 that Rep. Melanie Stansbury said impeachment should rank among Democrats' top three priorities for 2027. The outlet also reported that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had called for Hegseth's firing and had not ruled out investigations. Semafor described a political calculation: some Democrats want to answer calls from their base to act while avoiding internal divisions over another effort to impeach President Donald Trump. It also reported that some lawmakers want to keep cost-of-living concerns in view.
A Democratic win would not transfer House control immediately; the new Congress begins Jan. 3, 2027. Even if the House impeaches Hegseth, removing him would require two-thirds of senators present to convict. In April 2024, senators dismissed charges against then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Stars and Stripes reported that the House is scheduled to return Nov. 9.
