Hegseth Resets War Powers Clock As Deadline Hits
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims the War Powers Resolution clock has paused due to a ceasefire with Iran, allowing military operations to continue past the 60-day deadline for congressional authorization. However, the War Powers Act contains no provisions for pausing the clock during ceasefires, and ongoing U.S. naval blockades constitute continued hostilities. The administration's stance has drawn criticism from Democrats and skepticism from some Republicans, though others appear receptive to the interpretation.
- ▪The War Powers Resolution requires presidential withdrawal of forces after 60 days without congressional authorization.
- ▪Hegseth argues the 60-day clock stopped due to a ceasefire that began on April 8.
- ▪The U.S. is currently maintaining a naval blockade against Iran, which qualifies as an act of war.
- ▪The War Powers Act does not mention ceasefires or clock pauses in its provisions.
- ▪Congress has not declared war or authorized the use of force against Iran.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Hegseth Resets War Powers Clock As Deadline Hits Ed Morrissey 9:20 AM | May 01, 2026 AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein Technically speaking, time just ran out for Donald Trump's war with Iran. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 gives presidents 48 hours to notify Congress after military action begins, and then has to seek approval from Congress to continue hostilities. Today is Day 62. So will Trump begin to wind down operations over the next 30 days, the withdrawal period specified in the WPR? Advertisement googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display("div-gpt-300x250_4"); //googletag.pubads().refresh([gptAdSlot["div-gpt-300x250_4"]]) }); Er ... no. Presidents have never accepted these limits in the WPR as constitutional, a point to which we'll return in a moment.
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