Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday. Hegseth is accused of abusing his authority at the Pentagon.

The 34-page resolution could force a House vote as early as this week. The impeachment comes as Republicans face growing criticism over the Iran war following their losses in the November 3 midterm elections.

Massie accused Hegseth of violating the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by continuing military operations against Iran without congressional authorization.

Three of the eight impeachment articles concern the Iran conflict. Massie also accused Hegseth of disregarding laws designed to limit civilian casualties, citing a military strike on an Iranian school earlier this year.

Other allegations concern deadly strikes against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean, military operations in Yemen, and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Massie also accused Hegseth of retaliating against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), after the senator participated in a video urging military personnel to refuse unlawful orders.

The Kentucky Republican argued that Hegseth’s actions constituted high crimes and misdemeanors and warranted his removal from office.

“The question is whether he committed impeachable acts,” Massie wrote Monday on X. “And the answer is yes, eight times.”

Massie originally introduced impeachment articles in September. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), recessed the chamber before lawmakers could vote.

Monday’s renewed effort restarted a two-legislative-day deadline for House leaders to address the resolution.

Hegseth has rejected the allegations and dismissed the impeachment effort as political theater.

In a video posted last week, he accused Massie and his Democratic allies of pursuing politically motivated charges similar to the impeachment efforts against President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Hegseth said his administration’s military decisions were justified. He defended the operations in Iran and Venezuela and argued that confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions was necessary.

Hegseth also said he was not concerned about the impeachment effort and announced plans to address it at a Tuesday news conference.

Trump defended his defense secretary Monday and criticized Massie, calling him a “stone cold loser.”

“Really, what has Hegseth done [to be impeached]?” Trump asked reporters at the White House.

The president also said he had every intention of keeping Hegseth in his position.

In a separate Truth Social post, Trump called Massie “a total loser” and described Hegseth as “perhaps the most popular and successful military official in the Country.”

Trump pointed to what he described as record-high military recruitment and U.S. victories in Venezuela and Iran as reasons to support the defense secretary.

“Pete Hegseth should be praised, not Impeached,” Trump wrote. “Congress, stand up for Pete!!!”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Hegseth during a gathering of G7 officials in Paris.

Asked about the Republican-led impeachment effort, Rubio said he considered it unfair.

“I think Pete’s done a good job. I really do,” Rubio told reporters.

Rubio said his work alongside Hegseth had given him a different perspective on the defense secretary’s performance. He praised Hegseth’s work on military operations involving Iran and Venezuela.

Meanwhile, the impeachment effort has exposed disagreements among House Republicans.

Johnson warned Monday that impeaching Hegseth while American forces remain engaged in overseas hostilities would be a “terrible, terrible look.”

Rep. James Comer (R-KY), acknowledged growing concerns about Hegseth’s leadership and the administration’s strategy in Iran.

Other Republican lawmakers, such as Reps. French Hill of Arkansas and Don Bacon of Nebraska, have questioned whether dissatisfaction with Hegseth’s performance amounts to an impeachable offense.

Democrats have signaled strong support for the effort.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said Sunday he would vote for impeachment. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also called for Hegseth to face a Senate trial.

However, Massie acknowledged Monday that no Republican lawmakers had committed to supporting his resolution.

House Republican leaders could move to table the resolution instead of holding a direct vote on impeachment. Such a motion would require only a simple majority.

If the House approves the articles, the case would move to the Senate, where a trial could lead to Hegseth’s removal from office if two-thirds of senators vote to convict.

Massie has urged the current Republican-controlled Senate to address the charges before Democrats take control of the chamber in January.