House vote blocks impeachment effort against Pete Hegseth
Lawmakers voted to refer impeachment articles against the US defence secretary to committee, halting the effort as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress.
By Larissa Bell ·
An effort to impeach US defence secretary Pete Hegseth was halted on Tuesday when the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted to send the resolution to committee. The 211-204 result effectively brought the attempt to an end for now, amid uncertainty over Hegseth's future following last week's midterm elections.
Outgoing Republican congressman Thomas Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment on Monday, alleging "high crimes and misdemeanours" connected to issues including the Iran war and American military operations in Venezuela and Yemen. Massie was the only Republican who voted in favour of the impeachment effort. Eleven Democrats were absent from Tuesday's vote, which the effort lost by seven votes.
The outcome may not end congressional efforts to remove Hegseth. Another impeachment attempt could follow after January, when Democrats take control of both the House and Senate following their midterm victories. Voter opposition to the conflict in the Middle East has been viewed as a key factor in the Republican election defeat, contributing to questions in recent days about the defence secretary's position.
Hegseth rejected the action against him, characterising it as a political spectacle motivated by personal ego and resentment. He has also defended the Iran conflict, maintaining that his instructions to US forces were lawful. He argued that the war would receive a different historical assessment from the prevailing view.
President Donald Trump has continued to support Hegseth, a former Fox News presenter. In a Truth Social post after the House vote, Trump celebrated the impeachment effort's failure and attacked Massie. He also claimed that military recruitment under Hegseth had reached the highest levels in its history and that there were long waiting lists to join.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell likewise welcomed the outcome, calling it a "TOTAL VICTORY". He dismissed the impeachment allegations as baseless and described the proceedings as a political exercise lacking evidence, merit or seriousness.
Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become House speaker next year, offered a sharply different assessment before the vote. He accused Hegseth of abusing his authority and damaging American national security, and held him responsible for what he described as a reckless, costly and failed war of choice in Iran.
Massie expressed disappointment after the result and criticised fellow Republicans for standing by the defence secretary. "They know it's a sinking ship but committed to stay on board," he said.
