House blocks Hegseth impeachment effort in 211-204 vote

House Republicans voted Tuesday to block an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, shielding a top Trump administration official from a politically embarrassing rebuke. The vote passed 211-204, with Rep. Thomas Massie as the lone "no" vote. The measure, sponsored by Massie, alleged Hegseth defied Congress and illegally continued the U.S. war in Iran. Republican leaders protected members from a difficult vote before Election Day, while the Trump administration defended Hegseth, with Vice President Vance calling the impeachment effort "absurd." The reprieve is likely short-lived, as Democrats are expected to force the issue again when they retake House and Senate majorities in January. Tuesday's vote effectively kills any impeachment effort for this Congress.