Hegseth calls impeachment push a 'farce' as House weighs rare vote

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed impeachment proceedings against him as a "farce" and "stunt" during a Pentagon press conference, defending his military operations and rejecting allegations of misconduct. The House is moving toward a rare impeachment vote over Hegseth's actions in wars against Iran and Yemen's Houthis, plus strikes on alleged drug smugglers. Conviction would require a two-thirds Senate majority, a high hurdle even after Democrats gain power in January. The articles, introduced by outgoing Republican Thomas Massie, accuse Hegseth of violating the War Powers Resolution and suppressing free speech. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have backed Hegseth, who framed the effort as an attack on US troops.