House GOP blocks Hegseth impeachment vote, showing rare unity after midterm losses

House Republicans blocked an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, preventing a vote that would have been politically damaging to President Donald Trump. The move showcased rare party unity following last week's midterm election losses. The resolution, led by outgoing GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, was referred to committee, effectively killing it. Eleven Democrats missed the vote, giving Republicans the numbers to succeed. Trump celebrated the outcome on Truth Social, calling Massie a "major loser," while Democrats signaled they may pursue impeachment again when they take control of the House next year. House Republicans also elected Rep. Jim Jordan as their minority leader for the next Congress, defeating Steve Scalise. Meanwhile, Senate GOP Leader John Thune dodged questions on whether the midterm results were a rebuke of Trump's agenda, and some Democrats declined to back Chuck Schumer as their leader.