In a little over a year in office, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has achieved a series of military triumphs that have not, perhaps, been equaled since World War II: the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, and the air campaign against Iran’s regime. These missions have been flawlessly executed by Hegseth’s department, so naturally the Democrats want to impeach him.
The first articles of impeachment were filed in January by Michigan Congressman Shri Thanedar, but got little attention. A new, expanded set of articles was filed today. You can read the document here. Axios describes the articles here. The impeachment resolution is being introduced by Rep. Yassamin Ansari, not coincidentally the first Iranian-American elected to Congress. Co-sponsors include Reps. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), David Min (D-Calif.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) and Sarah McBride (D-Del.).
What are the Democrats’ charges? There are six:
Article 1: “Unauthorized war against Iran and reckless endangerment of United States service members”
This article focuses on the U.S. launching strikes against Iran without first seeking congressional approval.
It is based on a legal error. The administration did not need Congressional approval for the campaign against the mullahs.
Article 2: “Violations of the Law of Armed Conflict and targeting of civilians”
Hegseth “authorized, condoned, or failed to prevent” operations in Iran “resulting in large numbers of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Iran,” this article says.
There are always civilian casualties in war, but the administration has avoided damaging civilian infrastructure, even though damaging civilian infrastructure is perfectly acceptable under international law. And the claim that Hegseth has targeted civilians is a lie.
Article 3: “Negligence and Reckless handling of sensitive military information”
This article focuses on Signalgate….
If negligent handling of classified information (which Hegseth is not guilty of) were an impeachable offense, both Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton could have been evicted from office. It’s a thought.
Article 4: “Obstruction of Congressional Oversight”
Hegseth has failed to “provide timely and complete information regarding military operations” to Congress, this article says.
Actually, the administration has been unusually transparent and forthcoming with information, not just to Congress but to the public.
Article 5: “Abuse of power and politicization of the armed forces”
This article accuses Hegseth of using his position to “influence military decisions for improper political purposes” and “undermining the principle of a nonpartisan and professional Armed Forces.”
This one is funny in a macabre way. It was Joe Biden who politicized the military by trying to turn it into a left-wing social experiment. Secretary Hegseth has de-politicized the military by focusing it exclusively on fighting wars.
Article 6: “Conduct bringing disrepute upon the United States and its armed forces”
Hegseth is accused of having “acted in a manner contrary to the public trust” and “shaken public confidence in the integrity and ability” of the Pentagon.
This one is too stupid to warrant comment.
I think everyone understands that impeachment is now a purely political act. Far from being guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors, Secretary Hegseth has offended Democrats by disagreeing with them on policy and by scoring one brilliant success after another, thus making them look bad.
This impeachment effort isn’t going anywhere, but its filing is a reminder that if the Democrats take the House in November, as they almost certainly will, they will impeach President Trump and, probably, most members of his cabinet. They are that far gone in hate.
