Previously unseen footage shows that in 2016, Pete Hegseth repeatedly cautioned that US troops must refuse unlawful commands from then-candidate Donald Trump, citing veterans who told him, “You’re not just gonna follow that order if it’s unlawful.”
Hegseth, then a Fox News contributor, stressed in several appearances that “the military’s not gonna follow illegal orders” and warned Trump’s proposals—such as targeting terrorists’ families—could violate the laws of war.
Now serving as defense secretary, Hegseth has sharply criticized Democrats for raising similar concerns about potential illegal orders in recent military operations, branding six lawmakers the “Seditious Six.” His past comments have regained attention as legal experts question whether recent US strikes may have crossed legal boundaries.
The Democrats reminded troops, “No one has to carry out orders that violate the law,” prompting Hegseth to accuse them of undermining the chain of command.