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Defense Secretary Slams 'Seditious Six' Over Military Orders

12/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth condemned six Democratic lawmakers, dubbing them the "Seditious Six," for urging service members to disobey orders.
He accused them of spreading false information amid scrutiny over U.S. military strikes on suspected drug vessels, which some lawmakers say may violate standards.
Hegseth's 2016 comments emphasized the military's duty to reject unlawful orders.
Critics say his response punishes political dissent rather than upholding military law.

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Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth condemned six Democratic lawmakers, dubbing them the "Seditious Six," for urging service members to disobey orders.
He accused them of spreading false information amid scrutiny over U.S. military strikes on suspected drug vessels, which some lawmakers say may violate standards.
Hegseth's 2016 comments emphasized the military's duty to reject unlawful orders.
Critics say his response punishes political dissent rather than upholding military law.