The Republican-led House voted 211–204 Tuesday to block consideration of eight impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The measure, introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, alleged constitutional violations, unauthorized military operations and abuses of office related to actions in Iran, Venezuela, Yemen and other areas of deployment.
Three articles concerned the Iran war, including allegations that Hegseth helped initiate and continue hostilities without congressional approval. Other charges addressed strikes against suspected drug trafficking boats, civilian protections, the operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the campaign against Houthi forces and disciplinary action against Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.
Hegseth rejected the allegations as politically motivated and said he would not resign. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell maintained that military operations were lawful. President Donald Trump also defended Hegseth, urged lawmakers to support him and said he would continue backing the defense secretary if the House ultimately voted to impeach.
The dispute centers partly on competing interpretations of presidential and congressional war powers. Massie argues that Hegseth disregarded legal limits and congressional restrictions. The administration maintains that the president’s constitutional authority as commander in chief permits the military campaign, while critics contend that Congress has been excluded from required decisions.
Tuesday’s vote does not end the impeachment debate. Democrats won control of both congressional chambers in the midterm elections and will gain authority to schedule hearings and advance legislation when Congress convenes January 3. Some senior Democrats view pursuing Hegseth’s removal as more politically attainable than seeking to impeach Trump.
House impeachment requires a simple majority, while conviction in the Senate requires a two-thirds vote. If impeached, Hegseth would become the third Cabinet secretary to face that action, following William Belknap in 1876 and Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024. Whether Democrats will revive the articles remains unresolved as congressional control changes.