U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has forcefully rejected Rep. Thomas Massie’s impeachment allegations, defending the American military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Speaking at a Pentagon press conference on November 10, Hegseth argued that Maduro was not kidnapped but brought to justice by American forces after being indicted and wanted by U.S. authorities. “He was NOT kidnapped. He was brought to justice by America’s best. Victory in one night. Victory in 48 minutes, to be precise!” Hegseth declared, emphasizing the speed and execution of the operation. He further argued that arresting a wanted fugitive should not be characterized as kidnapping. His remarks came after Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of misconduct involving military operations in Iran, Venezuela and Yemen, among other allegations.

Hegseth dismissed the impeachment effort as a political spectacle, arguing that disagreements over military policy should be addressed through legislation, congressional debate and elections rather than impeachment. Massie’s article concerning Venezuela specifically accuses Hegseth of directing the operation to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, without proper constitutional or legal authority. The congressman has also raised allegations involving the Iran war, civilian casualties, military strikes and the treatment of a U.S. senator. Hegseth maintains that the operations were lawful, authorized by President Donald Trump and carried out by American personnel fulfilling their duties. President Trump has publicly backed his defense secretary, criticizing Massie and urging lawmakers to support Hegseth. The dispute now places the legality of the administration’s military actions and the limits of executive war powers at the center of a growing congressional confrontation.