House Republicans Block Impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 211-204 on November 10, 2026, to refer eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, effectively shelving the effort for the remainder of the current Congress. The resolution, introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, accused Hegseth of violating the Constitution and the War Powers Act by conducting unauthorized military operations in Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela, including the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The articles also alleged extrajudicial killings of drug smugglers and the retaliation against Senator Mark Kelly.

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance strongly defended Hegseth, with Trump characterizing the blocked vote as an "EXONERATION." Hegseth dismissed the proceedings as a "political spectacle" and a "farce," arguing that the operations were lawful orders from the Commander-in-Chief. The narrow margin of the vote sparked internal Democratic conflict after 11 members missed the roll call, citing traffic delays and other events. Some Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries, indicated that removing Hegseth remains a priority for the incoming Democratic majority taking control in January.

Following the vote, Hegseth faced further criticism on November 11 during a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. A sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier loudly reprimanded Hegseth and his aides for laughing and talking, an incident Representative Gwen Moore cited as evidence of Hegseth's lack of fitness for office. Meanwhile, House Republicans elected Representative Jim Jordan as the next House minority leader.