K-File Exposes Hegseth's Hypocrisy on Following 'Illegal Orders' vs Calling it 'Seditious'

Photo Credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson for AP

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently criticized six Democratic lawmakers for urging troops to refuse unlawful orders. However, a CNN report on Tuesday highlights that Hegseth expressed nearly identical views in 2016. Reporter Andrew Kaczynski uncovered a clip from Hegseths time as a Fox News contributor, where he emphasized that illegal actions carry consequencesmirroring the message he now denounces Democrats for promoting.

When asked about soldiers facing imprisonment for war crimes, Hegseth said in 2016: "There have to be consequences for abject war crimes. If youre doing something completely unlawful and ruthless, then there is a consequence. Thats why the military said it wont follow unlawful orders from their commander-in-chief. Theres a standard, an ethos, and a belief that we are above what our enemies or others would do."

Kaczynski noted that Hegseth criticized then-President Barack Obamas foreign policy, expressing optimism about Americans willing to sacrifice for the nation, while hoping for a commander-in-chief worthy of that loyalty during the 2016 election. The remarks were recorded at a Liberty Forum of Silicon Valley event, according to CNN.

The CNN coverage follows Hegseth and President Donald Trump attacking Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video last month, led by Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). The lawmakers urged military personnel to adhere to codes of conduct and refuse illegal orders, warning that threats to the Constitution exist domestically as well as internationally. Other participants included Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), all of whom have served in the Navy, Army, Air Force, or CIA.

In the video, the lawmakers stated: "You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders."

Trump reacted angrily, calling the video SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR and claiming it should be punishable by DEATH. Hegseth labeled the lawmakers the Seditious Six and suggested Kelly could face a military court-martial. Slotkin later told ABC on November 23 that she was unaware of any illegal orders issued by Trump.

Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson told CNN: "As Secretary Hegseth said last week and prior to holding office, the military already has clear procedures for handling unlawful orders. The orders being given to our military under President Trump are lawful, and the despicable video of the Seditious Six urging our troops to defy their chain-of-command was a politically motivated influence operation by elected officials aimed at sowing distrust and chaos in our Armed Forces."

The story was first reported by Mediaite under the headline: K-File Reveals Hegseth Said the Same Thing About Not Following Illegal Orders Hes Now Claiming is Seditious.

Author: Sophia Brooks