Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Military Action Against Protesters

Questioning Military Orders

• 🎯 Rep. Jill Tokuda directly questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding his willingness to order the military to fire on protesters.
• ❓ The core of the questioning focused on whether Hegseth would carry out a presidential order to shoot protesters exercising their First Amendment rights.

January 6th and National Guard Deployment

• ⚡ Hegseth was asked if he would have deployed the National Guard and Marines on January 6, 2021, citing the attacks on law enforcement and property damage.
• ⚠️ He noted that President Trump had requested the National Guard in advance and alluded to delays in their deployment.

Refusal to Answer Hypotheticals

• 🧠 Hegseth stated he refuses to be put in a corner by what he calls a "false hypothetical" regarding shooting protesters.
• ⚖️ He emphasized that standard rules of engagement guide troops and that he serves at the pleasure of the president.

Protests and Civil Rights

• 💬 The discussion touched upon current protests, with Hegseth acknowledging situations like those in Los Angeles.
• 🗣️ He was pressed for a direct yes or no answer on whether he would order the military to fire on fellow countrymen if directed by the president.