Dubai: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has survived an impeachment attempt over his handling of the Iran war, but his political troubles may be far from over.
House Republicans blocked the effort on Tuesday in a 211–204 procedural vote, handing President Donald Trump a victory as his administration faces mounting scrutiny over the prolonged conflict with Tehran.
But the vote may have merely postponed a bigger confrontation.
Democrats are preparing to take control of both chambers of Congress in January following their midterm election victories, raising questions about whether they could revive impeachment proceedings against one of Trump’s closest Cabinet allies.
Here are seven key questions about what happens next.
Why did Republicans block Hegseth’s impeachment?
The impeachment resolution was introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who accused Hegseth of carrying out unlawful military operations, particularly during the Iran war.
Republicans voted to refer the resolution to committee, effectively halting the immediate impeachment effort.
6 key takeaways
211–204 House vote: Republicans blocked the impeachment bid by referring the eight articles to committee.
January 3, 2027
Democrats take control: The new Congress begins, giving Democrats the power to reopen proceedings.
Iran war at the centre: Hegseth faces allegations of conducting military operations without congressional authorisation.
.jfif)
