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 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 War Powers Act by conducting unauthorized military operations in Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela—including the capture of President Nicolás Maduro—and overseeing extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean and Pacific. Massie also cited a strike on a school in Minab, Iran, that killed over 100 children, and alleged retaliation against Senator Mark Kelly.

Hegseth dismissed the proceedings as a "political spectacle" and a "farce," asserting that his actions were lawful orders from the commander in chief. President Donald Trump hailed the result as an "EXONERATION of a Great American Patriot," while Vice President JD Vance called the bid a "ridiculous show."

The narrow margin of victory for Republicans was aided by the absence of 11 Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi. Some absent members cited traffic delays and a police escort near the Capitol, while others were returning from an Elect Democratic Women event. This failure sparked internal Democratic conflict, with leaders criticizing the absences as a "self-inflicted wound."

Following the vote, Hegseth was publicly reprimanded by a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for breaking decorum during a Veterans Day ceremony. Despite the current reprieve, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated the vote is "just the beginning," noting that Democrats expect to revive the impeachment effort after taking control of Congress in January.