US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has survived an impeachment attempt after Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives blocked a resolution seeking his removal over his handling of the US military campaign against Iran.
The impeachment resolution was introduced by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who accused Hegseth of serious constitutional and legal violations, including his role in launching military action against Iran without congressional approval.
During Tuesday’s vote, the House voted 211 to 204 in favour of referring the impeachment resolution to committee, effectively bringing the measure to an end for the remainder of the current Congress. As a result, Hegseth will remain in his position for now.
However, the possibility of another impeachment attempt remains after the new Congress takes office in January. Democrats have secured majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate following the midterm elections, potentially changing the political landscape. The new Congress is scheduled to be sworn in on January 3.
Following the vote, Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters on Capitol Hill that the matter was not over but merely the beginning. He said Democrats would assume their responsibilities in January with a clear majority in the House.
Thomas Massie was the only Republican who voted against his party’s majority position on the resolution. Meanwhile, 11 Democrats and seven Republicans did not participate in the vote.
Trump Calls Failed Impeachment Attempt Proof of Hegseth’s Innocence
US President Donald Trump welcomed the defeat of the impeachment effort, describing the outcome as proof of Pete Hegseth’s innocence.
In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said Democrats’ attempt to impeach the Secretary of War had failed badly. He accused Democrats of using the United States for political purposes and weaponising government institutions, arguing that such efforts must be stopped.
Before the vote, Trump had also strongly defended Hegseth, calling him an excellent Secretary of War and giving his performance an A+++ rating.
Impeachment Resolution Accused Hegseth of Serious Violations
In the resolution introduced by Thomas Massie, Hegseth was accused of serious constitutional and legal violations. The document alleged that he played a role in initiating military action against Iran without congressional authorisation and disregarding legal requirements aimed at minimising civilian casualties.
The resolution also raised concerns about the administration’s handling of military operations and the legal basis for the use of American military force.
Hegseth’s Political Future Remains Uncertain Despite Trump’s Support
According to Jesse Richman, an associate professor of political science at Old Dominion University, Donald Trump has a history of strongly supporting members of his administration until he eventually decides to remove them.
Speaking to CBC News, Richman said Trump’s current backing of Hegseth did not necessarily guarantee continued support in the future.
He suggested Trump might prefer to keep Hegseth in office because appointing a replacement and securing Senate confirmation could become more difficult after Democrats gain control of the Senate in January.
Hegseth Dismisses Impeachment Effort as Political Theatre
Before the vote, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed a press conference at the Pentagon, strongly defending himself against the impeachment effort.
He described the proceedings as a political trial against both the president and the Secretary of War, arguing that the issues raised in the resolution were policy disagreements rather than grounds for impeachment.
Hegseth maintained that disagreements over government policy should be resolved through legislation, political debate and the next presidential election.
The press conference marked his first Pentagon press briefing since May.
US Military Operations in Iran, Yemen and Venezuela Also Included
The impeachment resolution introduced by Thomas Massie went beyond the military campaign against Iran.
It also cited Hegseth’s role in US military operations in Yemen and Venezuela, as well as deadly attacks on vessels suspected of involvement in drug trafficking in waters near South America.
Massie had introduced a similar resolution in September, but lawmakers went on recess before it could be brought to a vote.
On Tuesday, Hegseth defended all the military operations, saying he stood behind every one of them. He claimed that each strike against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking had saved thousands of American lives.
However, human rights organisations and international bodies have raised concerns about these attacks, warning that such operations could potentially amount to crimes against humanity.
Hegseth Denies Maduro Was Kidnapped, Defends US Operation
During the Pentagon press conference, Hegseth was also questioned about former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the circumstances surrounding his capture.
He rejected the suggestion that Maduro had been kidnapped, insisting that he had instead been brought to justice by some of America’s finest personnel.
With Republican support, Hegseth has managed to avoid impeachment for now. Nevertheless, the establishment of the new Congress in January could bring renewed political and legal pressure against the Trump administration’s Secretary of War.
