US Republicans block efforts to impeach US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over Iran war
US Republicans blocked a move to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war on Iran, defeating a resolution in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
The procedural defeat hands President Donald Trump a victory just days after his party suffered a disastrous midterm election defeat.
The resolution was formally proposed by Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie, who was the only member of his party to oppose the procedural manoeuvre. The vote was scheduled for Wednesday, which would have seen Hegseth face formal charges.
It's a farce, and it's a stunt, and everybody knows it.
Impeachment articles
Massie brought eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth. They allege he waged war without congressional authorisation and abused his power as Pentagon chief. The articles also accuse him of suppressing free speech after he attempted to punish Democratic Senator Mark Kelly.
The articles include allegations surrounding strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which Massie described as "extrajudicial killings". They also cover the 2025 conflict with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.
Pete Hegseth gets an 'A' PLUS, PLUS, PLUS.
Political fallout
Republicans currently hold a majority in the House, but this will end in January when Democrats are expected to take control of both chambers of Congress. Democrats will be able to revive impeachment efforts once they take control.
Pete Hegseth gets an 'A' PLUS, PLUS, PLUS.
The Republican defeat comes amid widespread public discontent over the war on Iran, as well as soaring gas prices and the rising cost of living. Massie will be leaving Congress after losing his Republican primary to a Trump-backed challenger.
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