Hegseth Survives Impeachment Vote as House Republicans Block Charges
A 211-204 vote sent eight articles of impeachment to a committee, effectively stalling the process until Democrats take control of the House next year.
By Gabriela Ivanov ·
US House Republicans blocked an attempt to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday. The majority party voted to refer the charges to a committee rather than bring them to a floor vote, a procedural move that pauses the effort until the 119th Congress concludes.
The chamber voted 211 to 204 in favor of the referral motion. This vote effectively stalled the impeachment drive sponsored by Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, the only Republican to vote against the motion. By sending the matter to the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, the majority ensured the process would not advance to a formal article count before Democrats assume control of the House in the coming year.
Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth on Monday. The resolution accused the defense secretary of violating the Constitution by conducting military operations in Iran for more than 90 days without congressional authorization. Massie stated in a statement that Hegseth is breaking the law and must be held accountable for these unauthorized actions.
Expressing disappointment after the vote, Massie compared his fellow Republicans to passengers on the Titanic. He said they know the ship is sinking but remain committed to staying on board. President Donald Trump also reacted to the outcome on Truth Social, labeling Massie a major loser and accusing Democrats of weaponizing the United States.
Hegseth characterized the impeachment effort as politically motivated. He argued that the attempt signaled to US adversaries, including Iran and cartels, that the United States punishes its own warriors and civilian leadership for executing lawful military operations. The vote leaves Hegseth in his post as the House composition shifts next year.
