With action delayed until January, US House blocks effort to impeach defence secretary Pete Hegseth
Resolution sent to committee
The resolution was formally introduced on Monday and contains eight articles of impeachment. Rep. Thomas Massie was the only Republican to oppose sending it to the committee.
Dispute over Iran war
Massie has criticised Trump and the war since it began in February. He lost re-election earlier this year to a Trump-backed opponent.
Hegseth denounces effort
At a Pentagon news briefing on Tuesday, his first in six months, Hegseth called the impeachment bid a “farce” and “sabotage.” He described it as a political stunt by an opponent of the Trump administration who was “disgruntled and defeated.” Hegseth also said the resolution endangered national security, arguing that it signalled the United States might punish military personnel and civilian leaders for lawful operations. He echoed Trump’s remarks about rising military recruitment.
Political support and questions
Massie said removing Hegseth now would allow the Senate to approve a replacement while Republicans remained in power. Hegseth has survived politically for the moment, but some lawmakers, including Republicans, have questioned how long he can stay in the administration.
Key points
- The House sent the impeachment resolution to its Republican-led Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
- The eight articles accuse Hegseth of waging war on Iran for more than 90 days without congressional approval.
- Hegseth called the effort a political stunt and said it endangered national security.
- Democrats are set to take control of both chambers in January.