Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cleared another hurdle this week when House Republicans voted to table eight articles of impeachment filed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). The move, which effectively kills the effort for now, gives Hegseth temporary relief as he faces a new Democratic majority in January.
Massie, who is not returning to Congress next year, had accused Hegseth of misconduct and mismanagement. But House GOP leaders, wary of setting a precedent against a president's cabinet pick, sided with the Pentagon chief. The vote exposed divisions among Democrats, with 11 House Democrats missing the roll call, drawing criticism from within their own ranks.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has signaled that Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the incoming chair of the House Armed Services Committee, would lead any impeachment effort. Smith told Punchbowl News that while he believes Hegseth has committed impeachable offenses, Democrats must weigh the best strategy for their broader goals.
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, was blunt: "As Secretary of Defense, he has made America less safe through his chaos and gross incompetence. Republicans' refusal to stand up for our Constitution and the rule of law is disgusting." She vowed to hold Hegseth accountable once Democrats take control.
The president's decision to replace Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff is seen as a boost for Hegseth. Miller, a close ally, and Hegseth have a "very good" relationship, according to sources. They live on the same military base, and their wives are friends. A senior administration official said their partnership has been "instrumental" in border security and military operations against drug trafficking.
Hegseth praised Miller as an "incredible American patriot and a great friend" of the Pentagon. The Defense secretary has also enjoyed public support from President Trump, who applauded him at a Veterans Day event at Arlington National Cemetery, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Some critics within the administration blame Hegseth for pushing Trump into a conflict with Iran that may have contributed to the GOP's midterm losses. But Trump has publicly stood by Hegseth, praising his efforts to remove "woke" generals.
Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), a Hegseth ally, said Democrats may try again. "Secretary Hegseth is a warrior. He served himself in uniform, and he understands what it is to be a true leader," Mills said. "Will this be the last time they try? I'm not so sure."
Hegseth's team has dismissed the impeachment attempt, and they are likely to use similar tactics if Democrats renew their push in January. Meanwhile, internal Democratic divisions over how to handle Hegseth remain, as some push for immediate action while others urge caution.
