An effort to impeach the Pentagon chief stalled on the House floor, but the fight is far from over. A narrow vote on Tuesday kept the measure from moving forward, at least until a new Congress arrives.
The House voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, against advancing articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, sending the resolution to committee.
What do the articles of impeachment say?
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced the articles of impeachment on Monday, accusing Hegseth of high crimes and misdemeanors. It was his second attempt to force the issue this fall.
The articles charge that Hegseth waged war in Iran without authorization from Congress and kept the war going after the House and Senate both directed that U.S. forces be removed. Critics of the war argue that only Congress has the power to declare war under the Constitution.
They also accuse him of continuing operations after the deadlines set by the War Powers Resolution of 1973 had passed. That law generally requires forces to be withdrawn within 60 days unless Congress approves, with up to 30 more days allowed for a withdrawal.
Why did the vote fail?
The vote was on a procedural motion, and a majority of the House voted against moving the resolution forward. Instead, it will go to committee, where it is unlikely to advance before the new Congress begins. The margin of seven votes showed how divided the chamber is over the war.
Republicans currently control the House, though Democrats won a majority in last week’s midterm elections and will take control in January. The current Congress will hold its final weeks of session before then.
Impeachment requires a simple majority in the House. Removing an official from office requires a conviction by at least 67 senators. No cabinet secretary has been removed from office through impeachment.
Has Massie tried this before?
Yes. Massie first introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth in September. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced an early recess the next day, preventing a vote.
Massie, one of the few Republicans to openly oppose the war, had warned last week that he would bring the measure back unless Hegseth resigned. His stance has put him at odds with much of his party.
How has Hegseth responded to the articles of impeachment?
Hegseth has called the effort sham political theater, comparing it to President Donald Trump’s two impeachments. He has defended the war as necessary to keep Iran from getting nuclear weapons. He has pointed to his record at the department, including leadership changes and efforts to rebuild the defense industry.
Trump has said he has no plans to replace Hegseth and that he is doing a very good job.
House Democrats filed their own articles of impeachment against Hegseth in April, accusing him of waging an unauthorized war and other misconduct. Those articles also cited civilian casualties and the mishandling of sensitive information.
What happens next?
When Democrats take control of the House in January, they will have the votes to bring new articles of impeachment to the floor if they choose.
Some Democratic leaders have signaled interest in pursuing Hegseth, though the party has not committed to a vote. Democrats have also promised broader oversight of the war.
Meanwhile, President Trump said Monday that new military action against Iran is quite unlikely as peace talks continue, which could shape how lawmakers approach the issue.
For now, Tuesday’s vote gives Hegseth a reprieve, but the articles of impeachment are likely to return. Both supporters and critics of Hegseth will be watching closely when the new Congress convenes.
