The US House of Representatives has blocked an effort to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over his handling of the war with Iran and other alleged misconduct, giving the Trump administration a political victory for now.
The Republican-led House voted 211-204 on Tuesday, November 10, to refer the impeachment resolution to the House Judiciary Committee, effectively shelving the proposal. Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who introduced the impeachment measure, was the only Republican to oppose the move. Eleven Democrats were absent during the vote.
Massie had introduced eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of abusing his authority, including launching military operations against Iran without congressional authorisation and allegedly violating laws intended to protect civilians during military operations. The resolution also raised allegations concerning US military strikes against suspected drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean and the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Hegseth strongly rejected the allegations, describing the impeachment effort as a political spectacle and a farce. Speaking at a Pentagon news conference, he argued that the accusations reflected political disagreements rather than conduct amounting to high crimes and misdemeanours. He also defended the military operations carried out under his leadership.
President Donald Trump welcomed the House decision, declaring on social media that the impeachment effort had failed. Vice President JD Vance also defended Hegseth, dismissing the allegations against the Defence Secretary as absurd.
The vote represents a temporary reprieve for Hegseth, as Democrats are expected to take control of both chambers of Congress in January following their midterm election gains. Democratic leaders have indicated that they could revive efforts to investigate or impeach the Defence Secretary once they assume control.
Although the immediate impeachment attempt has been blocked, the controversy surrounding Hegseth’s leadership and the administration’s military decisions is likely to remain a significant political issue in Washington.
