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Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends Controversial Military Orders

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked controversy over military orders amid strikes against drug traffickers off Venezuela and Colombia.
In 2016, he said service members must refuse unlawful orders, and he now accuses Democrats of echoing that stance.
He labeled smugglers terrorists and defended actions under U.S. President Donald Trump as necessary to protect national interests, and the White House condemned lawmakers for questioning command as reckless.

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Story summary

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked controversy over military orders amid strikes against drug traffickers off Venezuela and Colombia.
In 2016, he said service members must refuse unlawful orders, and he now accuses Democrats of echoing that stance.
He labeled smugglers terrorists and defended actions under U.S. President Donald Trump as necessary to protect national interests, and the White House condemned lawmakers for questioning command as reckless.