Rep. Shri Thanedar Files Impeachment Articles Against Pete Hegseth Over Venezuela Strike & Signal Gate

Michigan Democrat Representative Shri Thanedar has announced his intention to introduce articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing two major controversies: a deadly maritime strike off the coast of Venezuela and the earlier 'Signal Gate' incident. Thanedar labeled Hegseth "uniquely unqualified" and accused him of "unlawful, illegal activity."

Allegations of 'Murder and Conspiracy to Murder' in Venezuela

Thanedar's primary article of impeachment stems from a September incident off the Venezuelan coast. Hegseth is accused of verbally ordering to “kill everybody” on board a small vessel allegedly carrying narcotics. Reports indicate that after an initial strike, a second strike was ordered by Hegseth, eliminating survivors clinging to the wreckage. Rep. Thanedar vehemently stated that the vessel was civilian, posed no hostility, and Congress had not declared war on Venezuela. He dismissed the administration's excuse of fighting narco-terrorism, asserting that no evidence was provided to support the claim. "These are extra-judicial, unlawful killings. This was murder," Thanedar declared, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations.

The 'Signal Gate' Controversy and Classified Information

The second article of impeachment concerns the 'Signal Gate' scandal from earlier this year, focusing on the "reckless, unlawful mishandling of classified information." This incident involved Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg's inclusion in a Signal chat group with high-ranking officials including Hegseth, Vice President Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Call for Bipartisan Accountability

Thanedar underscored that both controversies highlight a critical need for accountability across political divides. He referenced the bipartisan support for a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing all files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's case, which President Trump later signed into law, as an example of what can be achieved. Thanedar urged Republicans to prioritize the merits of the case over party loyalty to President Trump. "Republicans need to look at this as laws that have been broken. War crimes have been committed. And Hegseth — the secretary is refusing to show up," he stated. While Hegseth has addressed the Venezuela allegations, claiming he learned of the second strike hours later, the Signal Gate remains a past point of contention.