Why Pete Hegseth's Words on Unlawful Orders Matter

Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defense, faced questions about following unlawful orders from the President during his Senate confirmation hearing. This raises serious concerns, especially when we remember President Trump's past remarks about shooting protesters. The military is trained to disobey unlawful orders, but Hegseth's hesitation could put service members in a tough spot. Today's military is much more lethal than it was during the Kent State incident. Modern weapons can fire hundreds of rounds in seconds, and urban tactics like 'kettling' could lead to multiple casualties. It's crucial that military leaders ensure troops are well-trained and armed with non-lethal weapons when dealing with protests. Communication with protest leaders is also key to avoiding misunderstandings. If Hegseth can't commit to protecting citizens from unlawful orders, we need to question his suitability for the role.