House Republicans block impeachment effort against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

House Republicans voted 211-204 on Tuesday to refer impeachment charges against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the House Judiciary Committee, effectively blocking the effort. The motion, sponsored by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, was the only GOP vote against the referral. Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment on Monday, accusing Hegseth of violating the Constitution and conducting unauthorized military operations against Iran for over 90 days. Hegseth dismissed the effort as politically motivated, saying it signals to adversaries that the US punishes its warriors for lawful actions. President Donald Trump called Massie a "major loser" on Truth Social, accusing Democrats of weaponizing the government. The move buys time for Hegseth before Democrats take control of Congress next year, when they may renew impeachment attempts.