US House Democrat files articles of impeachment against Pentagon chief

Rep. Yassamin Ansari introduced articles of impeachment Wednesday against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of violating his oath of office and his duty to the Constitution.

Ansari alleged that Hegseth violated his oath, endangered US troops and authorized unlawful military actions, including strikes she said targeted civilians.

"Pete Hegseth broke his oath to the Constitution, put U.S. troops at grave risk through the unauthorized disclosure of classified information, engaged in abuse of office and conduct beneath the dignity of his office, and carried out unlawful military actions despite his obligation to refuse—including strikes on civilians and a girls’ school in Minab, Iran," Ansari said in a statement.

"Hegseth’s conduct meets the threshold of high crimes and misdemeanors and warrants immediate removal by Congress."

The resolution lays out six articles of impeachment, including launching an unauthorized war against Iran, violating the law of armed conflict, mishandling sensitive military information, obstructing congressional oversight, abusing power and bringing disrepute upon the US and its armed forces.

The measure is backed by a group of House Democrats, including Sarah McBride, Lauren Underwood, Al Green, Steve Cohen, Jasmine Crockett, Nikema Williams, Dina Titus, Dave Min, Shri Thanedar, Melanie Stansbury, Mike Quigley and Brittany Pettersen.