Democrats accuse Hegseth of hypocrisy for supporting unlawful orders

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Dec. 2.

When six Democratic lawmakers encouraged military personnel to refuse commands that violate the law or the Constitution, Hegseth quickly labeled their actions as seditious and initiated an investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a retired Navy captain, for allegedly violating military regulations.

However, a recently discovered video of Hegseth from 2016 has drawn attention to his apparent double standard. Speaking at a conservative forum nine years ago during Barack Obamas presidency, Hegseth said, I do think there have to be consequences for abject war crimes. If youre doing something that is just completely unlawful and ruthless, then there is a consequence for that. Thats why the military said it wont follow unlawful orders from their commander-in-chief.

He continued, Theres a standard, theres an ethos, theres a belief that we are above what so many things that our enemies or others would do. At the time, Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News contributor, had recently left the veterans advocacy group Concerned Veterans of America.

Kelly, speaking to CNN, agreed with Hegseths past statements, noting, Its exactly what we said. But when we said it, Pete Hegseth says what we said was false and reckless. What has changed? Its clear: we now have a Secretary of Defense more concerned with appeasing the President than upholding principles.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D, Mich.), one of the lawmakers dubbed by Hegseth as the Seditious Six, shared the 2016 remarks on X, comparing them to the Democrats 2025 statement. Rep. Jason Crow (D, Colo.) also posted a clip of Hegseths comments, questioning, What changed, Pete? Our Secretary of Defense is unqualified and unserious.

Other members of the group emphasized the consistency of Hegseths past stance: Rep. Chris Deluzio posted, No one can force American servicemembers to follow unlawful orders, as Pete Hegseth said himself. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan added, Thanks for the clarity, Secretary Hegseth.

Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson defended Hegseths 2016 remarks while distinguishing them from the Democrats recent statements, saying, The military already has procedures for handling unlawful orders. The orders under President Trump are lawful, and the video urging troops to defy command was politically motivated, aiming to create distrust within the Armed Forces.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly reinforced this view, stating, These lawmakers sowed doubt in a clear chain of command, which is reckless, dangerous, and deeply irresponsible for an elected official.

Author: Ava Mitchell