Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have blocked an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over his handling of military operations, including the ongoing war with Iran, delaying a potential confrontation until Democrats take control of Congress in January.
The House voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday to refer eight articles of impeachment to the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the proceedings for now.
The impeachment effort was introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who accused Hegseth of illegally ordering military operations in Iran and Yemen, strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January.
Massie had hoped to gain support from fellow Republicans concerned about Hegseth’s policies and growing public opposition to the eight-month war with Iran. However, no other Republicans joined him. Pelosi’s spokesperson said she had returned to San Francisco for an annual veterans’ event but would have opposed the motion.
Eleven Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, did not participate in the vote. If eight more Democrats voted against the procedural motion, it would have been defeated, potentially allowing a full impeachment vote to proceed.
President Donald Trump welcomed the result, declaring on social media that the impeachment effort had “miserably FAILED!”
Trump praised Hegseth’s handling of military operations in Iran and Venezuela, describing the outcome as the “EXONERATION of a Great American Patriot.”
Hegseth, who addressed reporters at the Pentagon earlier on Tuesday (10 November), dismissed the impeachment effort and defended his record as head of the U.S. military.
“History will judge the Iran war quite differently than the conventional wisdom right now,” he said during his first Pentagon briefing in six months. He maintained that his military orders were lawful and argued that Iran’s armed forces had suffered significant damage during the conflict.
Vice President JD Vance also defended Hegseth, despite previously questioning the war and linking it to Republican losses in the midterm elections.
“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 impeachment effort comes amid growing political pressure over the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began eight months ago without congressional authorisation. The conflict has reached an effective stalemate, with efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz remaining a central concern.
It's reported that public dissatisfaction with the war contributed to Democratic gains in last week’s midterm elections, giving the party control of Congress when newly elected lawmakers take office in January. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Tuesday (10 November) found that a majority of Americans want the incoming Democratic-majority Congress to take action to end the conflict.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has strongly criticised Hegseth’s leadership, accusing him of abusing his authority and undermining national security.
“Pete Hegseth has abused his power, undermined America’s national security, and he’s the architect of the reckless and costly failed war of choice in Iran,” Jeffries said on Monday.
Although Tuesday’s vote prevented the impeachment proceedings from advancing, Democrats could launch a renewed effort when they take control of Congress in January. Jeffries said he would discuss the possibility with fellow lawmakers at the appropriate time.
A Democratic-led investigation could involve testimony from senior military officials, including generals and admirals dismissed by Hegseth during his tenure.
Lawmakers could also examine the Pentagon’s policies towards Ukraine, military strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in Caribbean and Pacific waters, and Hegseth’s dismissal of senior military leaders.
The controversy comes as the Trump administration seeks to increase the U.S. military budget from approximately $950 billion to $1.5 trillion, a proposal requiring congressional support. Some Republicans have expressed concern that Hegseth’s strained relationship with lawmakers could complicate efforts to secure the additional funding.
Hegseth would have become the first U.S. defense secretary to be impeached. The last impeachment of a civilian leader of the U.S. military occurred in 1876, when Secretary of War William Belknap faced proceedings in Congress.
Following Tuesday’s vote, Massie expressed disappointment with his Republican colleagues, comparing their continued support for Hegseth to passengers remaining aboard a sinking ship.
“They know it’s a sinking ship but committed to stay on board,” he said.
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