Republicans block Hegseth impeachment vote, shielding Pentagon chief

Republicans in the US House of Representatives voted 211-204 to refer an impeachment resolution against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to committee, effectively blocking an immediate vote on his removal. The resolution, filed by outgoing Republican congressman Thomas Massie, accuses Hegseth of unlawful actions including keeping troops in the Iran war without congressional authorisation and overseeing extrajudicial killings. Hegseth dismissed the proceedings as a politically motivated stunt, drawing comparisons to Donald Trump. The move shields Hegseth until Democrats gain control of Congress next year following midterm election victories. Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly backed Hegseth, with Vance arguing the impeachment effort was a "ridiculous show" rather than legitimate policymaking.