Fresh attempt to impeach US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth introduced in Congress

Question marks hang over Pete Hegseth’s tenure as US defense secretary as Congress launches a fresh attempt to impeach him amid growing bipartisan calls for his resignation.

In Washington on Monday, local time, dissident GOP congressman Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Mr Hegseth, saying he had acted unlawfully in his role.His articles of impeachment allege Mr Hegseth has committed “high crimes and misdemeanours” and “has demonstrated he will remain a threat to civilians” as well as the US military and the country’s constitution if he remains in office.

Massie’s bid will have the support of Democrats, but there is growing speculation that disgruntled GOP representatives could also back it. The fact Massie is spearheading the impeachment attempt despite being from Donald Trump’s Republican Party has enraged the President, who has repeatedly voiced support for Mr Hegseth.

Around 70 Republicans will leave the House at the end of this year. Some are retiring or have won political office elsewhere, while others were defeated at last week’s midterm elections. Analysts argue many people in this cohort will have nothing to lose and could back the bid to make a political point during their final weeks in office, even if the White House hates it.