US House Blocks Impeachment Effort Against Defense Secretary Hegseth

The US House of Representatives has averted an impeachment proceeding against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, voting 211-204 to refer the charges to the Judiciary Committee. The Republican faces pressure following his party's midterm defeat, largely due to the unpopular Iran war. The motion was introduced by Republican Thomas Massie, a critic of President Donald Trump. Democrats supported the impeachment effort, but Republicans hold majorities in both chambers until year's end. No other Republican openly backed Massie's proposal, and eleven Democrats abstained. Massie accuses Hegseth of unlawful warfare, including disregarding civilian casualty laws and exceeding his authority in the Iran conflict. Hegseth called the effort a politically motivated farce, while Trump defended his secretary. Massie, who lost his seat, also pushed for Epstein-Files transparency.