US House blocks bid to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Republican Thomas Massie’s resolution challenged the defense secretary’s role in the Iran war and other military operations. President Trump defended him.
The US House of Representatives on November 10 blocked a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, an initiative led by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie and supported by Democratic leaders.
The vote halted, for now, the effort to advance charges against the Pentagon chief over his conduct in office and his handling of the war with Iran, the Associated Press reported. Most Republicans backed the secretary after President Donald Trump publicly expressed his support.
The decision was a setback for Massie, a Kentucky lawmaker who had introduced a resolution with eight articles the day before. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries also supported the effort. Democrats are due to take control of the House and Senate in January after the midterm elections.
The allegations and Hegseth’s response
Massie’s articles focus primarily on the war with Iran, but also refer to operations in Yemen and Venezuela. The lawmaker argues that Hegseth carried out unlawful orders; the secretary disputes that interpretation and says the president authorized the operations.
The dispute raises questions about the war powers of Congress and the president. Massie says Congress did not authorize the Iran war and cites time limits in US law. The administration defends the legality of its operations.
Hegseth rejected the accusations at a Pentagon news conference before the vote. He described the initiative as political theater and said it concerned policy disagreements, not offenses warranting impeachment. The White House released statements of support from the president and other officials.
Two separate stages
In the United States, impeachment begins in the House. If it approves articles against an official, the case goes to the Senate, where conviction and removal require the support of two-thirds of senators present. They are separate stages.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson had also opposed the proceedings. Democrats could raise the issue again when the new Congress takes office in January, AP said.
