Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Blanche Defends Hegseth as Massie Pursues Impeachment Resolution
Representative Thomas Massie is trying to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
He introduced eight accusations in the House of Representatives.
Massie says Hegseth allowed military operations against Iran to continue without Congress approving them.
He also says Hegseth misused his power in several other situations.
These include alleged civilian casualties, killings of suspected drug traffickers, retaliation against Senator Mark Kelly, and actions involving Venezuela and Yemen.
Attorney General Todd Blanche says Hegseth is doing a very good job and follows the law.
Blanche also says the Iran operations should not be called a war.
Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson said the department supports Hegseth.
The House must approve the resolution before the Senate could hold a trial.
Representative Thomas Massie introduced eight impeachment articles against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in the House.
The first three articles allege Hegseth violated the War Powers Resolution through prolonged military operations against Iran.
Massie also alleges civilian-casualty failures, extrajudicial killings, retaliation, and unauthorized actions involving Venezuela and Yemen.
Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected describing the Iran operations as a war and said Hegseth follows the law.
The resolution must pass the Republican-controlled House before a possible Senate trial; Pentagon officials continue to support Hegseth.
- Who
- Representative Thomas Massie accused Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth; Attorney General Todd Blanche and Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson defended him.
- What
- Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment alleging unlawful military operations and abuse of authority by Hegseth.
- When
- The resolution was introduced on Tuesday; Massie alleges the Iran operations continued beyond federal time limits.
- Where
- The resolution was introduced in the United States House of Representatives and concerns operations involving Iran, Venezuela, and Yemen.
- Why
- Massie says Hegseth violated congressional war powers, exceeded legal authority, and retaliated against critics.
Massie’s allegations
Hegseth’s defenders
Iran operations
Massie’s allegations
Massie says Hegseth continued hostilities against Iran without congressional authorization and beyond the statutory limits.
Hegseth’s defenders
Blanche says Hegseth follows the law and disputes characterizing the military operations as a war.
Use of authority
Massie’s allegations
Massie alleges Hegseth exceeded legal authority, failed to minimize civilian casualties, authorized extrajudicial killings, and retaliated against Senator Mark Kelly.
Hegseth’s defenders
Blanche defended Hegseth generally, while the Pentagon said it remained unified behind his leadership; neither response addressed every allegation individually.
Impeachment prospects
Massie’s allegations
Massie argues Congress must hold Hegseth accountable for alleged unconstitutional and illegal actions.
Hegseth’s defenders
The resolution must win majority support in the Republican-controlled House before a Senate trial could occur, and removal would require a two-thirds Senate conviction.
- Impeachment articles
- Eight articles were introduced against Pete Hegseth.
- Resolution sponsor
- Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
- Iran allegation
- Massie alleges hostilities against Iran continued for more than 90 days without congressional authorization.
- War Powers limits
- The law generally requires notification within 48 hours and ends unauthorized operations after 60 days, with a possible 30-day withdrawal period.
- Defense of Hegseth
- Todd Blanche said Hegseth is doing a phenomenal job and follows the law.
- Pentagon response
- Kingsley Wilson called Hegseth a transformative leader and said the department remained behind him.
- Approval requirement
- A House majority is needed for impeachment proceedings to advance; removal requires conviction by two-thirds of senators present.
