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.

Author: Maya Henderson