This Old Video Of Pete Hegseth From 2016 Is Going Viral For Reasons Trump Really Won't Like

In November, six Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, shared a video reminding U.S. military personnel that they have the right to refuse unlawful orders. Senator Slotkin tweeted:
"We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community. The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution. Dont give up the ship."

President Donald Trump reacted strongly, reposting a message on Truth Social urging extreme action and labeling the lawmakers' statements as seditious. The White House later clarified that Trump did not intend for members of Congress to be harmed.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also expressed his disapproval. The Pentagon announced an investigation into Senator Kelly and suggested he could be recalled to active duty to face a court-martial.

Amid this, a 2016 video of Hegseth resurfaced, showing him emphasizing accountability for war crimes. In the clip, he said:
"I do think there have to be consequences for abject war crimes. If you're doing something that is just completely unlawful and ruthless, there is a consequence for that. That's why the military said it won't follow unlawful orders from their commander-in-chief. There's a standard, there's an ethos, there's a belief that we are above so many things that our enemies or others would do."

The video was originally broadcast on CNN during a segment featuring Senator Kelly, who later highlighted it on Twitter:
"Pete Hegseth says hes going to court-martial me for saying the same exact thing he said 9 years ago."

The clip has gained attention during ongoing scrutiny of Hegseth's involvement in a September strike on survivors of an alleged drug boat near Venezuela, which some legal experts have called illegal. Hegseth defended the operation, citing the "fog of war," and the White House stated it was lawful.

Between political clashes, public gaffes, and reports on his communications practices, Defense Secretary Hegseth appears to be facing a challenging period in office.

Recent developments surrounding the video by six Democratic lawmakers urging U.S. service members to refuse unlawful orders have moved beyond a political spat into a significant legal and constitutional confrontation. A federal judge has now blocked punitive action by the Pentagon against Senator Mark Kelly, ruling that efforts to penalize him—including demotion and loss of retirement benefits—violate his First Amendment rights. This judicial rebuke underscores the constitutional protection of speech, even when the content is controversial or politically charged. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s aggressive response, which included censuring Kelly and exploring disciplinary measures, has drawn widespread legal and public scrutiny. The grand jury’s refusal to indict the lawmakers on sedition charges reflects the difficulty prosecutors face in characterizing calls to reject unlawful orders as criminal. There is broad expert consensus that encouraging refusal of unlawful orders aligns with established military law, not sedition. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

This clash occurs amid broader controversy over the Pentagon’s conduct in overseas operations, particularly recent U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats near Venezuela that have killed numerous civilians and raised legal concerns. The refusal by the Department of Defense to release unedited video of follow‑up strikes, despite congressional pressure, further fuels skepticism about transparency and compliance with international law. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The ongoing dispute highlights a deeper institutional tension: balancing military discipline with constitutional rights, and ensuring accountability in foreign operations. Courts have so far sided with protecting speech and limiting executive overreach. However, appeals and continued litigation promise sustained confrontation. The episode serves as a reminder that democratic norms and legal safeguards remain critical checks on actions by political and military leaders.

Sources:

• This Resurfaced Video Of Pete Hegseth From 2016 Is Going Viral For Reasons Trump Really Won't Like

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.