Illinois Rep. Jonathan Jackson, who had told a TMZ reporter that the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could not wait another day, was among 11 Democrats who missed a House procedural vote on the matter in Washington, D.C. According to the TMZ post and accompanying video, the Illinois lawmaker was seen on the Capitol steps filming minutes before the vote closed and later cited a traffic delay. Online users reacted after the clip circulated, focusing on the contrast between his earlier statement and his absence from the floor.
In the clip, TMZ reporter Charlie Cotton confronts Illinois Rep. Jonathan Jackson outside the U.S. Capitol steps about missing a House vote. Cotton says he saw Jackson on the steps about 10 minutes before the 6:05 p.m. vote closed, adding, “You claimed there was a traffic jam… but I had seen you having arrived on the steps with minutes to spare… why didn’t you vote? You were here!”
Jackson replies, “There was a traffic jam that was there. It’s inexcusable. It’s not making an excuse for it. We should have been able to make the vote.”
Cotton responds, “But you kind of did make the vote!” Jackson later says it was a mistake and adds, “I wish I could answer you in any more detail, but I support the removal of Pete Hegseth.”
The exchange follows Jackson’s earlier statement that the impeachment effort against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could not wait another day. He was one of 11 Democrats who missed the procedural vote that referred the resolution to the Judiciary Committee, 211-204. According to the post, Cotton observed Jackson filming on the steps minutes before the vote closed; the video does not show those earlier moments.
Responses to the Video of the Capitol Steps Exchange
Some users questioned Jackson’s motives and pointed to outside influence, with one asking, “What kind of shady, backdoor deal was struck that kept these reps from showing up and doing their jobs???” and others citing roughly $20,500 in PAC contributions, writing, “That 20,500 from AIPAC money is what kept him from reaching the steps of Congress to vote.”
Others focused on accountability, saying “This dude needs to be voted out immediately!” and “If you know it is inexcusable, you should resign.”
A smaller number praised the reporting, with one commenter writing, “Amazing reporting @hicharliecotton… this should become an incredibly consequential clip. You deserve a raise.”
The clip continues to circulate as part of the broader discussion surrounding the procedural vote on Pete Hegseth’s impeachment. It remains unclear whether the exchange will affect the ongoing legislative debate beyond online commentary.
