The House of Representatives voted to refer the eight charges against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee. The resolution passed by 211 votes to 204, putting the impeachment process on hold for now. Thomas Massie, who introduced the measure, was the only Republican to join the Democrats.
Hegseth is accused of violating the Constitution by launching the war against Iran without congressional approval. The allegations also include attacks on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, military operations in Yemen, the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, and pressure exerted on Democratic Senator Mark Kelly.
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President Donald Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, presenting the failure of the measure as a significant victory. “The Democrats’ effort to impeach Pete Hegseth failed disgracefully. A great American patriot has been cleared,” he wrote, also praising the military operations in Iran and Venezuela.
The defense secretary dismissed the allegations as a political farce. He defended the legality of the military operations and said Trump had acted to ensure Americans’ security. However, the matter could be reopened in January, as Democrats are expected to take control of the House of Representatives after winning the midterm elections.
The election defeat has also brought changes to Republican leadership. Jim Jordan has been chosen to lead the next Republican minority in the House of Representatives, replacing Mike Johnson, while John Thune has been reelected to lead Senate Republicans.
