The US House voted 211-204 on November 10, 2026, to refer Republican Representative Thomas Massie's impeachment resolution against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to committee, effectively blocking an immediate impeachment vote. The eight articles alleged misconduct involving the Iran war, military operations elsewhere and retaliation against Senator Mark Kelly. President Donald Trump backed Hegseth, who denied wrongdoing. Eleven Democrats missed the vote, drawing criticism as the party prepares to take control of Congress in January.
Pete Hegseth Impeachment Bid Defeated as Trump-Backed Republicans Secure House Vote
The US House of Representatives voted 211-204 to defeat an impeachment resolution against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, following allegations about his handling of military operations in Iran and elsewhere.
Efforts to impeach Pete Hegseth hit a roadblock Tuesday as the US House of Representatives voted 211-204 to block a resolution to remove him from office. After President Donald Trump publicly backed the Pentagon chief, most Republican legislators turned against the measure.
The resolution was introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and was backed by Democrats. It had eight impeachment counts aimed at military operations, unlawful orders and decisions allegedly made while Hegseth was Defence Secretary.
The vote occurred amidst political fallout from major Republican losses in the midterm elections. Some in the party have blamed the Iran war and rising petrol prices for the results.
Thomas Massie's Eight Impeachment Charges Against Hegseth
Massie introduced the impeachment resolution Monday as lawmakers returned to Washington. The procedural motion filed Tuesday would have sent the matter back to committee, stopping the immediate impeachment effort.
The eight charges mostly related to the Iran standoff but also to military operations in Yemen and Venezuela. Massie claimed that Hegseth had knowingly carried out unlawful orders and undermined the authority of Congress over military engagements.
One major concern was reported cuts to personnel and resources at a Pentagon office dedicated to mitigating civilian harm. They came before a US missile strike on an Iranian primary school that reportedly killed as many as 168.
Massie also said the Iran conflict had exceeded the legal 60-day limit for unauthorised military hostilities. “The war has gone on for 256 days without a vote in Congress,” he said.
Another charge concerned Hegseth’s attempts to take revenge on Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy pilot. Kelly was one of those who created a video calling on members of the military to disobey illegal orders.
The resolution also criticised US attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats in Latin America and the failure to pick up survivors. Massie said the moves could undercut protections for American service members.
Hegseth Defends Military Leadership as Trump Backs Him
Hegseth spoke to reporters at his first Pentagon news conference in six months, ahead of the House vote. He denied the allegations, saying they were political differences, not impeachable offences under the Constitution.
Hegseth argued the resolution was bad for military morale and framed the proceedings as an attack on American service members. He called it not patriotism, but sabotage.
President Donald Trump gave Hegseth an A-plus-plus-plus rating on Truth Social, praising his performance publicly. Trump later cheered the House vote, labelling it an exoneration for a great American patriot.
Vice President JD Vance likewise denounced the impeachment effort as a ridiculous political spectacle. He said the effort diverted lawmakers from substantive policymaking and national priorities.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called Massie’s effort a “political stunt for attention.” Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, meanwhile, criticised Hegseth’s performance but said he did not think the allegations amounted to grounds for impeachment.
Also Read: Nvidia Investigation: Trump and Elon Musk Back Jensen Huang Amid Spy Allegations
Democrats Signal Renewed Impeachment Pressure
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries backed the resolution, accusing Hegseth of abusing his authority and jeopardising national security. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer backed the impeachment effort as well.
The Democrats are set to control both chambers of Congress in January. Their new leadership positions may offer another chance to pursue investigations and challenge Hegseth’s decisions.
The Constitution does not define high crimes and misdemeanours specifically, giving lawmakers broad leeway in deciding if officials have committed impeachable offences.
That’s the kind of political and constitutional headache that the last Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas's impeachment shows. Mayorkas was impeached by House Republicans for the border crisis, but the Senate dismissed the impeachment charges in April 2024.
No Cabinet secretary had been impeached while in office before Mayorkas. In 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant’s War Secretary William Belknap was impeached over an alleged government contract kickback scheme, but resigned before the House vote.
Iran Conflict Continues to Shape Washington's Political Debate
In defending Hegseth, Trump pointed to the military operation in January that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He also said that US operations have badly damaged Iran's navy and air force.
But Iran has continued to strike US military bases across the Middle East and to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Higher global oil prices are the outcome of these changes.
The failed impeachment motion does not preclude more oversight from Congress. Future investigations, hearings, and political developments could determine Hegseth’s position as the Iran conflict continues, according to Sprouts News developments.
