In a recent congressional hearing, a senator's attempt to embarrass the nation's defense secretary backfired, leaving her visibly flustered.
The incident unfolded during a session of the Senate Armed Services Committee, where Pete Hegseth was present to discuss the Pentagon's budget proposal.
According to NBC News, the hearing took a contentious turn when Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) posed a provocative question to Hegseth, seemingly aimed at portraying President Trump as authoritarian. Hirono asked, If ordered by the President to shoot peaceful protesters in the legs, would you carry out such an order?
This inquiry appeared to suggest that the President might endorse violence against individuals exercising their First Amendment rights. However, it is crucial to note that the use of force is often deemed necessary when law enforcement faces aggression, a scenario that has played out in various riots across the nation.
Hegseth, unfazed by the senator's line of questioning, responded decisively, Senator, as I have said before, of course, I reject the premise of your question. And the characterization that I would be given unlawful orders, its all meant to smear the commander in chief, and I wont fall for it. His retort effectively dismissed Hirono's insinuations, underscoring his loyalty to the President and the rule of law.
The exchange did not end there. Hirono further pressed Hegseth on whether he would comply with a court ruling that deemed the deployment of federal troops in American cities illegal. Hegseth clarified that the ruling was still under review and emphasized that national security policy should not be dictated by district courts.
He asserted that the administration would make a decision once the matter reached the Supreme Court, reinforcing the importance of judicial hierarchy in determining such critical issues.
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