The White House has issued a formal statement of administration policy opposing Pete Hegseth's impeachment. It urges lawmakers to refer the resolution to a committee for further investigation, CNN reports.
The statement argues that Hegseth has done nothing more than follow orders and carry out military operations, and that neither is an impeachable offence, according to CNN.
"This weaponized impeachment, aimed at settling political scores, undermines the will of the American people by allowing a rogue legislator to veto national security decisions made by the Commander-in-Chief"
The statement goes further than Trump's earlier public defence of Hegseth.
CNN's reporting also casts doubt on House Speaker Mike Johnson's promise that Republicans will defeat the resolution. Sources from both parties told CNN the outcome hangs on attendance. GOP sources acknowledge that if Johnson cannot get enough Republicans to turn up, the procedural vote fails. That would tee up a full impeachment vote as soon as Wednesday.
CNN says multiple GOP sources are prepared for the vote to succeed and have begun gaming out next steps for a Senate trial.
The first vote, on a motion to kill the resolution, is scheduled for 5.30pm ET (10.30pm UK) on Tuesday.