House blocks impeachment bid against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

The US House of Representatives voted to refer impeachment articles against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to committee, effectively blocking the effort for now. The resolution, introduced by Republican congressman Thomas Massie, accused Hegseth of waging war on Iran without congressional authorisation. The 211-204 vote saw Massie as the only Republican supporting the measure, with over a dozen members absent. The referral kills the bid due to limited time before Democrats take control of Congress in January, though impeachment resolutions can carry over to the next term. Hegseth called the effort a "farce" and "sabotage" in a Pentagon briefing, while President Trump celebrated the vote on Truth Social. Massie, who lost re-election, argued removing Hegseth now would allow Senate confirmation of a replacement under Republican control.