Overview of NPR’s Up First
NPR examines three developments in the aftermath of a major Republican election loss: House Republicans blocked an effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Republicans chose Jim Jordan to lead them in the House minority, and federal prosecutors charged three alleged Iran-backed operatives in connection with terrorist plots. The episode also reports the separate arrest in Britain of a U.S. soldier suspected of spying for Russia.
Hegseth Impeachment Effort Blocked
- The House voted to send Rep. Thomas Massie’s impeachment resolution against Hegseth to committee, effectively setting it aside rather than debating or voting on the charges.
- Massie, the resolution’s sole Republican sponsor, criticized the administration’s handling of the Iran war. Other allegations cited in the resolution involved U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean and the Pentagon’s effort to punish Sen. Mark Kelly after he urged service members to refuse illegal orders.
- Republicans argued that if Congress objects to the war, it should use its power over defense funding. The White House called the impeachment effort politically motivated, and President Trump helped rally opposition to it.
- The vote depended in part on attendance: enough Republicans were present to block the measure, while some Democrats were absent.
- Impeachment is not expected to advance, but opponents of the war could still press for concessions through upcoming war-powers votes and spending decisions. The administration has requested $1.5 trillion for defense, and a separate government-funding deadline is approaching. Democrats are expected to take control of the House in January.
Jim Jordan to Lead House Republicans in the Minority
- House Republicans selected Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan over Rep. Steve Scalise to replace Mike Johnson as their leader after the party’s election losses.
- Jordan pitched himself as a combative, battle-tested leader, emphasizing his experience on the Judiciary and Oversight committees, where Democrats are expected to pursue investigations.
- NPR’s Barbara Sprunt described the choice as a break from the previous leadership era and a sign that Republicans may favor confrontation over compromise in the minority. Jordan co-founded the conservative Freedom Caucus and has often clashed with his own party’s leadership.
- Senate Republicans reelected John Thune as their leader. House and Senate Democrats are expected to retain Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, respectively, though some Democrats have called for new leadership.
DOJ Charges Alleged Iran-Backed Operatives
- Federal prosecutors charged three men whom they allege worked for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and the Iraqi militia Kata’ib Hezbollah. They are accused of involvement in nearly 20 attacks or attempted attacks across Europe and the United States, including seven in Britain.
- Alleged incidents in Britain included arson, explosives and a near-fatal stabbing of two Jewish men in London. Prosecutors say one attack was directed remotely in real time over FaceTime.
- A separate alleged plot targeted RAF Fairford, a British airbase used by U.S. forces. Prosecutors say the suspects arranged surveillance and sought vehicles, fuel, accelerants and materials that could be used as shrapnel. The plot was foiled at a security roadblock.
- Prosecutors also allege that one defendant, already in U.S. federal custody in New York, used calls with family members to pass coded messages and help fund the plot.
- Separately, British police arrested a 41-year-old U.S. Army soldier on suspicion of spying for Russia. He has not been formally charged. Authorities say the investigation is unrelated to the Iran-linked cases, but both raise concerns about security at U.S. military sites and the threat posed by insiders.