Hegseth impeachment fight opens with House vote in focus

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced a new test Tuesday as impeachment proceedings moved to Congress and a House procedural vote drew national attention. Hegseth used a Pentagon news conference to tie his actions directly to President Donald Trump, saying the operations now under scrutiny, including military action involving Iran, were carried out under Trump’s orders and then his own. The impeachment effort, pushed by Rep. Thomas Massie, also cites strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats. In a PBS interview, military law expert Eugene Fidell said the allegations include extrajudicial killings and possible violations of Congress’ war powers. Trump’s support remains the key factor in whether Hegseth survives politically.