US House Republicans have blocked an effort to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, giving the embattled Pentagon chief a political reprieve before Democrats take control of Congress next year and potentially revive the campaign against him.
The Hegseth impeachment vote ended in a 211-204 result on Tuesday, with lawmakers approving a procedural motion to refer eight articles of impeachment to the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee. The move effectively stalled the immediate effort to bring the allegations to a full House vote.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who sponsored the impeachment initiative, had hoped to secure support from fellow Republicans concerned about Hegseth’s leadership and the administration’s increasingly unpopular war against Iran.
However, no other Republicans joined him in opposing the procedural measure.
The outcome came hours after Hegseth dismissed the impeachment campaign as a farce and defended his performance as head of the US military. President Donald Trump subsequently praised the defence secretary and celebrated the result.
Trump Celebrates Defeat of Impeachment Effort
Trump welcomed the House decision in a social media post, declaring that the attempt to remove Hegseth through impeachment had “miserably FAILED!”
The US president also praised Hegseth’s handling of Iran, Venezuela and other national security issues, describing him as a great American patriot.
Vice President JD Vance also defended the Pentagon chief, arguing that the controversy was not primarily about the Iran conflict but about Hegseth’s efforts to challenge the military establishment.
“This isn’t about Iran, this is about the fact that Pete took on the bureaucracy at the Pentagon,” Vance wrote on social media.
The vote also exposed divisions among Democrats, who had largely supported the impeachment initiative.
Eleven Democratic lawmakers did not participate, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California. The outcome could have been different if eight additional Democrats had voted against the procedural motion, potentially allowing the impeachment proceedings to advance.
Pelosi’s office did not immediately respond to questions about her absence.
Iran War Becomes Central Issue in Hegseth Controversy
The dispute over Hegseth’s leadership has intensified amid growing political opposition to the US military campaign against Iran.
The conflict has settled into an effective stalemate, with efforts increasingly focused on securing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping route for global energy supplies.
Public dissatisfaction with the war contributed to Democratic gains in last week’s midterm elections, allowing the party to secure control of Congress when the new session begins in January.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Tuesday found that a majority of Americans wanted the incoming Democratic-majority Congress to take action to bring the conflict to an end.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has accused Hegseth of abusing his authority, undermining national security and helping lead what he described as a costly and unsuccessful war against Iran.
Hegseth has repeatedly defended the military campaign, praising Trump’s leadership and arguing that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened.
Speaking at his first Pentagon briefing in six months on Tuesday, he maintained that historical assessments of the conflict would differ from current public opinion.
“History will judge the Iran war quite differently than the conventional wisdom right now,” he said.
The defence secretary also rejected allegations that his military orders were unlawful.
Democrats May Renew Impeachment Campaign Next Year
Although the Republican-led House blocked the immediate effort, Democrats could pursue another attempt after taking control of Congress in January.
Jeffries said he would consult party members about whether to introduce a fresh impeachment initiative against the Pentagon chief.
A renewed investigation could involve congressional hearings and testimony from senior military officers, including generals and admirals previously dismissed by Hegseth.
The defence secretary has faced criticism over his decisions involving military leadership and diversity policies.
Among those removed from their positions were the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a Black military officer, and the Navy’s top admiral, a woman.
Democrats could also examine other contentious Pentagon policies, including military assistance to Ukraine and US strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
Meanwhile, some Republicans have expressed concerns about Hegseth’s strained relationship with Congress, particularly as the Trump administration seeks to increase military spending substantially.
The administration is seeking a defence budget of $1.5 trillion, up from approximately $950 billion, making congressional support increasingly important.
Massie Criticises Republicans After House Decision
Massie expressed disappointment after lawmakers blocked his initiative, accusing fellow Republicans of refusing to challenge the administration despite their concerns.
Comparing the party’s position to passengers remaining aboard a sinking ship, he said Republicans appeared committed to staying despite recognising the political risks.
“They know it’s a sinking ship but committed to stay on board,” Massie said.
The latest congressional decision allows Hegseth to remain in his position without facing an immediate impeachment vote. However, the incoming Democratic majority could bring renewed scrutiny of his leadership, military policies and role in the Iran conflict.
Follow on social media Facebook and Instagram
-
-
-
-
