After opening by discussing domestic matters in the US, Todd Blanche is asked about the war in Iran after Republican Thomas Massie launched an effort to impeach defence secretary Pete Hegseth.
Massie accused Hegseth of repeatedly violating the constitution through his handling of the war, which has now dragged on for more than six months.
Blanche comes to Hegseth’s defence and says he’s doing a “phenomenal job”, adding he “doesn’t just go off an do things”.
“He follows the law, and so the Department of Justice plays a role in that,” he says.
But Blanche says he disagrees with the characterisation of it being called a “war”.
“There’s been votes on whether it’s a war and what to do. Votes through Congress have determined he’s [Hegseth] not doing anything wrong, and the president’s not doing anything wrong,” he adds.
It follows a similar tone to vice president JD Vance, who two weeks ago also rejected the use of the word “war” to describe the fighting with Iran as it threatens to overshadow the midterm elections.
Donald Trump even called it an “excursion” when fighting started.
US federal law requires congressional approval for military actions lasting more than 60 days, something cited by Massie in his impeachment bid against Hegseth.