House votes to refer impeachment resolution against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to committee

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday night 215 to 209 to refer a resolution that would have impeached Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to a committee, ending the measure for the remainder of the session. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, cited the lack of congressional authorization for the war in Iran and Hegseth’s involvement in operations in Yemen, Venezuela and anti-drug strikes near South America. Massie was the only Republican to break with his party on the vote.

President Donald Trump praised the outcome on his Truth Social platform, describing the result as an exoneration of a “great American patriot” and accusing Democrats of weaponizing the United States.

At a press briefing, Hegseth called the impeachment effort a “show trial” and said the articles represented policy disagreements, not the “high crimes and misdemeanours” required for impeachment. He added that “the proper remedy for a policy disagreement is legislation, debate, and the next presidential election.”

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated support for impeachment, while several Democrats expressed approval of the vote on social media. Some Republicans, including Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska and Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio, questioned the motives behind the resolution and its wording.

The vote comes as the new Congress, expected to be controlled by Democrats in both chambers after the recent midterm elections, prepares to convene on Jan. 3. It remains uncertain whether impeachment will be pursued in the next session.