David Manney
Role at the time: Conservative opinion columnist writing for PJ Media
Mixed or conditional
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.”
Open source (opens in a new tab)Massie Found a Real Constitutional Fight, Then Aimed at the Wrong ManClosing paragraphs, after the section beginning "Now we arrive at Massie's target".
Why we used this label
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.