New Delhi : The US House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 10, voted to block an impeachment push against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, with Republicans largely backing a procedural move to refer the charges to the Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee.

The motion passed by 211 votes to 204, effectively putting the impeachment effort on hold for the remainder of the current congressional session.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the only GOP lawmaker to join Democrats in opposing the move.

Eight Articles of Impeachment Filed

The impeachment resolution, introduced by Massie, contained eight articles accusing Hegseth of misconduct involving military operations, executive powers and constitutional accountability.

Three of the charges alleged that US military actions against Iran violated the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

Other allegations included:

• Authorising military operations in Yemen without proper legal authority.
• Ordering extrajudicial strikes against suspected vessels.
• Restricting freedom of speech and targeting critics, including Democratic Senator Mark Kelly.

The allegations have not been established as findings of wrongdoing.

Hegseth Rejects Impeachment Move

Ahead of the House vote, Hegseth dismissed the impeachment effort during a Pentagon press conference, describing it as a political spectacle.

He argued that the move could send the wrong message to international adversaries by suggesting that US civilian defence leadership could face punishment for carrying out what the administration considers lawful military operations.

Trump Welcomes House Decision

President Donald Trump welcomed the outcome, portraying the vote as a major victory for his administration’s national security policies.

In a Truth Social post, Trump described the decision as an ‘EXONERATION’ of Hegseth and accused Democrats of misusing congressional oversight powers. He also criticised Massie for breaking ranks with Republicans.

Democrats Signal Further Scrutiny

Despite the setback, Democrats indicated that the matter could return to the political spotlight in the next Congress.

Representative Hakeem Jeffries, expected to take over as House Speaker in January, suggested that scrutiny of Pentagon policies would continue, potentially opening the door for renewed action when Democrats assume greater control of the House.

For now, the Republican-backed procedural decision has stalled the impeachment effort, but the political battle over Hegseth’s leadership and military policies appears far from over.