Representative Thomas Massie has brought impeachment charges against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Kentucky Republican, who lost a primary in May, is retiring at the end of his term. Mr. Hegseth dismissed the drive as a vendetta by "one disgruntled and defeated congressman," while Mr. Trump called Massie a loser.

Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, is retiring at the end of his term after losing to a primary challenger backed by President Trump.

Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican whose libertarian leanings and independent streak have made him a target of President Trump's, has brought impeachment charges against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

It could be one of his last major acts in Congress: The 55-year-old Mr. Massie, a seven-term representative, is retiring at the end of his term after losing a primary to a challenger backed by the president.

Mr. Hegseth on Tuesday dismissed the impeachment drive as a vendetta by "one disgruntled and defeated congressman," without naming Mr. Massie. Mr. Trump chimed in soon afterward, denigrating Mr. Massie in a social media post as "a TOTAL LOSER."

Here's what to know about Mr. Massie:

He was defeated in a primary in May.

Mr. Massie lost by about 10 percentage points to Ed Gallrein, a farmer supported by Mr. Trump. After losing, he filed a statement of candidacy allowing him to raise money for a potential run for office in 2028, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Then he went on vacation in Costa Rica with former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, another Trump antagonist from the Republican Party.

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He is an outspoken critic of the Iran war.

Mr. Massie has assailed the war since its first hours. He has accused the Trump administration of violating the Constitution by striking Iran without congressional approval and of breaking with Mr. Trump's 2024 campaign platform.

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