In a video from April 2016 at an event hosted by the Liberty Forum of Silicon Valley, Hegseth was asked about soldiers facing consequences for war crimes. He said, “I do think there have to be consequences for serious war crimes. If you’re doing something that’s completely illegal and brutal, then there should be consequences for that.”
“That’s why the military says it won’t follow illegal orders from the commander in chief.
There’s a standard, a belief, and a sense of ethics. There’s a belief that we are better than what our enemies or others would do.”
These same ideas were shared in a recent video by six Democrats who told military members to refuse illegal orders. “
Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.”
“They said, ‘No one has to follow orders that break the law or our Constitution.’
They added, ‘Know that we have your back… don’t give up the ship.'”
Hegseth responded by saying he would bring back Sen. Mark Kelly and start court-martial proceedings.
He tweeted that the video made by the “Seditious Six” was “despicable, reckless, and false.” He claimed that encouraging soldiers to ignore their commanders’ orders “undermines every aspect of good order and discipline.” He said their message spreads doubt and confusion, which could put soldiers in danger.
So what changed?
Probably because Hegseth is now the Secretary of Defense and is giving illegal orders to kill helpless sailors.
He’s using his illegal bombing of boaters as an excuse to start an illegal war with Venezuela.
The hypocrisy is shocking, and it’s typical for Hegseth, who is known as a drunk rapist with no morals, dignity, or principles.
But these comments show that even Trump’s team knows what they’re doing is wrong.
Their angry response shows how insecure and scared they are of being held responsible.
We will take back power and hold them accountable.
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