American conservative opinion columnist who writes for PJ Media.
Case
Congressional impeachment proposals against Pete Hegseth cite military operations, oversight, and Signal. Supporters say the allegations warrant removal; Hegseth disputed the description that anyone was “texting war plans,” and a Pentagon spokesperson called Ansari’s April impeachment effort a “charade.”
Role at the time: Conservative opinion columnist writing for PJ Media
Statement summary
Manney credited Massie for forcing a war-powers question but argued that impeaching Hegseth targets the wrong official, because the dispute over continuing a war lies between Congress and the president.
“Massie deserves credit for forcing Congress to confront a question too many lawmakers would rather leave blurry. America shouldn't drift into permanent war simply because presidents of either party find congressional approval inconvenient. But a serious constitutional dispute deserves the correct opponent. Massie found the fight. But like an idiot, he aimed at the wrong man.”
The reference point is whether Hegseth should be impeached for the conduct in Massie's articles. Manney opposes this impeachment while explicitly declining to excuse Hegseth, writing that cabinet officers can be impeached and that following an unlawful order does not erase personal responsibility. He also endorses the underlying grievance. That mix of opposing the remedy without defending the conduct is why this is not labelled a defense.
Statement dates: September 15, 2026
Statement dates: September 15, 2026
