US House of Representatives Republicans derail attempt to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

US House Republicans voted 211-204 to refer impeachment charges against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, blocking a full vote. The charges, brought by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, accused Hegseth of conducting an unauthorized war against Iran. Massie was the only Republican opposing the motion.

US House Republicans voted 211-204 on Tuesday to refer impeachment charges against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the House Judiciary Committee, effectively blocking the impeachment effort. The motion was sponsored by Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie, the sole Republican to vote against it. Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment on Monday, accusing Hegseth of violating the Constitution by conducting an unauthorized war against Iran for over 90 days. President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Massie a 'major loser' and accusing Democrats of weaponizing government. Hegseth said the impeachment was politically motivated and would signal to US adversaries that the US punishes its warriors for lawful military actions. The vote buys time for Hegseth before Democrats take control of Congress in January.