House votes to kill Hegseth impeachment measure

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labelled an impeachment attempt over the Iran war as a "political spectacle" and accused a former Republican congressman of having a personal agenda. Hegseth made his comments to journalists, stating that the effort by outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie was driven by ego and resentment.

Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment, alleging violations of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, civilian casualties, and military operations in Yemen and Venezuela. The Pentagon has dismissed the accusations. Massie, who lost his primary to a Trump-backer, is seeking consideration of his resolution within two legislative days.

The Republican-controlled House could vote as early as Wednesday, with some Republicans possibly supporting the impeachment effort. President Donald Trump defended Hegseth, stating he had done a good job and praised his handling of military operations. Trump also said he would stand by Hegseth if the House voted to impeach him. The impeachment push comes in the wake of the recent midterm elections, where Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress due to public dissatisfaction with the Iran war and rising fuel prices.

Vice President Kamala Harris has tied the Republican defeats to the conflict, while Trump acknowledged it played a role in the election losses. Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries has also supported the impeachment effort, accusing Hegseth of abusing his authority and funding a costly conflict with Iran. If the House votes to impeach, removal would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate, making it a more difficult process.