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Republicans in the US House of Representatives have blocked an attempt to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, allowing the controversial Pentagon chief to remain in office despite mounting political pressure.
The House voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday in favour of referring eight articles of impeachment to the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee. The move effectively halted the impeachment effort, according to its sponsor, Republican Representative Thomas Massie.
Massie, an outgoing congressman from Kentucky, had hoped to secure support from Republicans concerned about Hegseth’s policies and the growing unpopularity of the Iran war. However, no other Republican joined his effort.
Democrats had strongly backed the impeachment initiative, but 11 members of their party were absent during the vote.
Trump Praises Hegseth After Vote
US President Donald Trump welcomed the outcome, celebrating the failure of the impeachment effort in a social media post.
“The effort to impeach Hegseth has miserably FAILED!” Trump wrote.
He also praised Hegseth’s handling of Iran, Venezuela and other national security matters, describing him as a great American patriot.
The vote appeared to strengthen the political relationship between Trump and Hegseth, who has faced criticism over his leadership and military decisions.
Hegseth had earlier dismissed the impeachment effort as a farce while defending his record as head of the US military.
Historic Impeachment Attempt
Had the impeachment effort succeeded, Hegseth would have become the first US defence secretary to face impeachment.
The last civilian leader of the US military to be impeached was William Belknap in 1876, when the position was known as secretary of war.
Hegseth has repeatedly referred to himself as the secretary of war, supporting Trump’s efforts to rebrand the military. However, changing the official name of the Department of Defence requires congressional approval.
Iran War Fuels Political Tensions
The Iran war has become a major source of political controversy in Washington, particularly as the conflict has reached an effective stalemate centred on securing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised Hegseth ahead of the vote, accusing him of abusing his authority, undermining national security and helping lead what he described as a reckless and costly war.
Hegseth, however, defended the military campaign, praising Trump’s leadership and claiming that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely damaged.
He also insisted that his orders to US forces were lawful, rejecting Massie’s accusations of serious misconduct. The impeachment articles included criticism of the Iran war and a January US military operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
“History will judge the Iran war quite differently than the conventional wisdom right now,” Hegseth said.
Massie Expresses Disappointment
Massie expressed disappointment after the House vote, criticising Republicans for refusing to support the impeachment initiative.
Comparing his colleagues to passengers aboard the Titanic, he suggested they were ignoring the political dangers surrounding the administration.
“They know it’s a sinking ship but committed to stay on board,” Massie said.
The failed impeachment effort gives Hegseth temporary political relief, although growing opposition to the Iran war could keep pressure on the Pentagon chief in the coming months.
