Trump's week in review: Hegseth impeachment vote; White House counsel sends warning to Dems
3. Trump defends Hegseth after impeachment vote fails
Hegseth beat back an impeachment effort this week after the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted 211-204 to send an impeachment resolution to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the measure.
The articles, filed by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., alleged that Hegseth violated the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by authorizing military action in Iran without congressional approval.
In a Truth Social post published Tuesday, Trump said the impeachment effort "miserably FAILED!" He praised Hegseth's tenure as secretary by highlighting "victories" in Venezuela and Iran. Trump also touted successes in military recruitment.
In a Truth Social post ahead of Tuesday's impeachment vote, Trump gave Hegseth an "'A' PLUS, PLUS, PLUS" grade while calling Massie, who lost renomination to a Trump-backed primary challenger earlier this year and was the only Republican to back the impeachment measure, a "total loser."
In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump claimed that Hegseth was "perhaps the most popular and successful" government official in the U.S. who "should be praised not Impeached."
Hegseth will not be impeached and removed from office before the end of the 119th U.S. Congress. His fate could change after the 120th U.S. Congress takes office in January. A simple majority of the U.S. House is required to impeach Hegseth, but two-thirds of the U.S. Senate must vote to convict him. The 120th U.S. Congress will have at least 55 Democrats and 44 Republicans, meaning he cannot be removed from office without Republican defections.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
