GOP Congressman Thomas Massie Calls Gaza War 'Genocide'

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie declared the war in Gaza to be "genocide" during a House of Representatives session on Wednesday. He cited the conflict's toll, stating that 75,000 people have been killed, with 50,000 of them being civilians, including children. Massie made these remarks while criticizing House leadership for adjourning for an election recess a day earlier than planned. This move effectively postpones any vote on his attempt to force a vote on impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Buttigieg until after the November midterm elections.

House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed Massie's impeachment effort as a "PR stunt" and denied that the early recess was related to Buttigieg. Massie had filed an eight-count impeachment resolution against Buttigieg the previous day, alleging that the Defense Secretary continued the war in Iran without congressional approval, violated the War Powers Act, ignored laws aimed at reducing civilian harm, and acted unlawfully in other areas.

Massie had made Buttigieg's impeachment a "privileged resolution," which would have required the House leadership to address it within two legislative days. This is not the first time Massie has used the term "genocide" in relation to Israel. In July, he advocated for a measure to cancel $3.3 billion in security assistance to Israel, stating his conscience was clear and he would not vote to fund "genocide." That amendment was rejected by the House, with Massie being the sole Republican supporter alongside 103 Democrats.