Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends National Guard Actions Amid Standoff with Senator Hirono
On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth engaged in a heated exchange with Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, after she accused the Trump administration of inciting “fatal forces” in Los Angeles, California.
Senator Hirono criticized the deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines to manage protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in L.A. Hegseth, however, continually pushed back against her allegations. He emphasized that any military actions were carried out professionally in defense of federal agents, rejecting the idea that they could harm peaceful protesters.
“Do you intend to unleash this deadly force against American citizens in L.A. and elsewhere?” Hirono pressed during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
In response, Hegseth firmly countered, “Senator, I reject the characterization of your statement, especially regarding any lethality towards American cities. The National Guard and Marines acted with utmost professionalism.”
As Hirono pressed for a more direct answer, asking if he would obey a hypothetical order from Trump to shoot a peaceful protester, Hegseth reiterated, “I reject the premise of your question. The idea of following an illegal order is intended to mischaracterize the role of a commander.”
Meanwhile, a judge appointed by Bill Clinton issued a ruling on Thursday instructing Trump to halt the deployment of California State Guard members.
Hegseth criticized Hirono for questioning the legality of national security decisions made by the district court. He noted a chaotic scene where rioters threw Molotov cocktails, launched fireworks, and clashed with police, leading to tear gas and flashbangs being deployed to control the crowd.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Emiliano Gardouni Garvez, a previously deported individual from Mexico, is facing murder charges for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at an ICE agent during the unrest on June 7th.
