Kentucky Republicans Split Over Massie’s Impeachment Push Against Pentagon Chief
Kentucky residents are split over Rep. Thomas Massie’s push to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran war.
In Covington, Richard Hassebrock said he supports the impeachment despite mixed feelings about Massie, arguing the war lacked congressional authorization.
Craig Cuskey, living just outside Massie’s district, called the effort “pure spite” and said his view of the congressman has soured.
The House Republican conference voted to send Massie’s articles to committee, adding another clash to his ongoing disputes with Trump and GOP leaders.
With Democrats taking Congress in January, they have signaled they will likely pursue the impeachment themselves, echoing Massie’s constitutional concerns.
Hassebrock lamented Massie’s electoral loss but praised his independence, saying the congressman “stands up for himself and his principles unlike most lawmakers.”
Rilla, a Fort Wright resident, said she believes Massie is retaliating against Trump while acknowledging pride in his anti‑Trump stance and disappointment in his defeat.
Phil Wiseman, a self‑identified RINO, doubts the impeachment will succeed and warns the war lacks a clear objective, comparing it to the Afghanistan quagmire.
Wiseman’s family includes a 27‑year veteran and a Marine‑serving son, and he criticizes the military advice guiding the conflict.
Anthony Tuemler of Covington backs impeachment, accusing Hegseth of violating the Constitution, and says he is glad Massie is leaving but regrets that Massie was the only one who spoke out.
Randall Thompson, a Newport veteran, supports Hegseth, citing shared Middle East deployment experience, and says he backs the troops and the defense secretary.
Craig Cuskey also defended Hegseth, saying his performance exceeded expectations and that he follows the commander in chief’s directives.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has voiced support for impeaching the Pentagon chief, and Democrats plan to revisit Hegseth’s conduct when they assume power in January.
Other lawmakers are eyeing investigations and possible impeachment of senior Trump administration officials, including Rubio, Lutnick, Miller and Homan, setting up a broader congressional showdown.
