US Republicans block impeachment of Defense Secretary Hegseth; Trump calls him 'a great patriot'

US Republican lawmakers voted Tuesday to block an impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, sending it back to committee and effectively killing the effort for now. President Donald Trump praised Hegseth as "a great patriot" following the vote. The resolution, introduced Monday by outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie, accused Hegseth of eight offenses including launching war against Iran without congressional approval and ignoring laws protecting civilians. Republicans retain a House majority until January, when Democrats could revive the impeachment effort. Hegseth dismissed the proceedings as a "political charade" and defended his actions, calling the Iran war "a courageous and historic effort." He has faced prior controversies, including the "Signalgate" leak and a proposal to broadcast a military execution.