House Republicans block Hegseth impeachment, delaying until Democrats take control

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives blocked the impeachment process against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, voting 211-204 to send the matter to committee and delay debate until January, when Democrats take control. The vote effectively halts proceedings initiated Monday by Republican congressman Thomas Massie, who filed eight charges related to the Iran war, military operations in Yemen, anti-narcotics missions, and the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. Hegseth dismissed the effort as a "farce" and "political spectacle." Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, expected to become the next House Speaker, strongly supported Massie's initiative, accusing Hegseth of abusing power and harming national security. The process could be reopened in January, with Hegseth potentially becoming the first Democratic target after the congressional power shift.