The US House of Representatives has effectively thwarted an attempt to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday. The Republican-led body voted 211 - 204 to refer the resolution to the Judiciary Committee, a move that could stall the proceedings. The vote came as a result of the absence of 11 House Democrats and the lone Republican vote against referring the motion by Thomas Massie, who sponsored the impeachment effort. This action gives Hegseth a temporary reprieve amid criticism over his handling of the Iran war and other military operations. Following the vote, President Trump declared the Democrats' impeachment attempt a failure, praising Republicans for supporting Hegseth. Trump described Hegseth as a "Great American Patriot" and credited his leadership for victories in Venezuela and Iran, record military recruitment figures, and improved morale among US forces.
The impeachment effort was centered around the ongoing Iran conflict, which has become a stalemate over securing the Strait of Hormuz. Opposition to the war played a role in Democrats winning control of Congress during last week's midterm elections. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Hegseth of abusing his power, undermining US national security, and being responsible for a "reckless and costly failed war of choice in Iran." However, Hegseth defended the military campaign, praising Trump's courage and claiming that Iran's military capabilities had been left in ruins. Massie's impeachment articles accused Hegseth of "high crimes and misdemeanors," citing the Iran war as well as the US military operation to depose Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump had previously backed Hegseth, giving him an "A+, +, +" for his defense against Massie's impeachment push.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump celebrated the House vote, stating that the Democrats' attempt to impeach Hegseth had failed. He also accused Democrats of weaponizing and abusing the United States, urging them to be stopped. The procedural motion to refer all eight articles of impeachment to the House Judiciary Committee was passed by Republicans, potentially delaying any further action until January when the new Congress convenes. Massie had warned that this move would effectively kill the initiative, and he had sought support from Republicans unhappy with Hegseth's policies and concerned about the unpopularity of the Iran war.