House Republicans quash effort to impeach Defense Secretary Hegseth

WASHINGTON — The House on Tuesday turned aside a resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, halting an effort to remove the Pentagon chief for his conduct in office and his handling of the war in Iran. The vote came as Republicans grapple with the fallout from sweeping midterm losses that some in the party have blamed on the war in Iran and the resulting surge in gas prices. But after President Donald Trump signaled strong support for Hegseth, GOP lawmakers largely stood by the secretary Tuesday. They rejected the impeachment effort led by Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie and backed by Democrats. The vote may only delay an impeachment push against Hegseth, with Democrats set to take control of the House and Senate in January. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become the next speaker when Democrats take charge in January, stood firmly behind the push, saying Hegseth has “abused his power” and “undermined America’s national security.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer endorsed Hegseth’s impeachment as well. Hegseth rebuked the effort