Скачать или смотреть Would You Refuse? Slotkin Confronts Hegseth on Illegal Military Orders

#SenateHearing #MilitaryEthics #RuleOfLaw

Sen. Elissa Slotkin confronts Pete Hegseth on whether he would refuse illegal or unconstitutional orders from a president, framing the issue as a core duty of the Secretary of Defense. She presses him to acknowledge that any commander-in-chief, regardless of party, can issue unlawful orders. Hegseth repeatedly deflects, insisting President Trump would not give illegal commands rather than directly addressing the principle. Slotkin references the 2020 protests and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s decision to oppose deploying active-duty troops domestically. She warns of the dangers of using the military for law enforcement, detention, or crowd control inside the United States. The exchange highlights the legal boundaries imposed by the Constitution and the Posse Comitatus Act. Slotkin emphasizes that the military is not trained for domestic policing missions. Hegseth pivots toward border security, avoiding specific hypotheticals. The discussion then turns to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the role of JAG officers. Slotkin questions whether Hegseth would respect the independence of military legal processes. His responses suggest senior officers would be reviewed based on loyalty to “lawful orders” and merit. The exchange leaves unresolved concerns about judgment, constitutional fidelity, and resistance to political pressure.

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#SenateHearing #MilitaryEthics #RuleOfLaw