Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth Has Contentious Back-and-Forth With Democratic Senators About ICE Protests: ‘Be A Man!’

During a congressional hearing on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth got into a heated exchange with Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee while being questioned about the Trump administration’s recent military actions.

Hegseth and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) engaged in an animated back-and-forth as the senator questioned the military’s authority to arrest and detain protesters.

“So, what is the order? Then list it out for us. List it out for us. Be a man. Did you authorize them to detain or arrest?” said Slotkin.

Hegseth laughed and brushed off the question, leading a frustrated Slotkin to demand a response.

“What is that based on?” responded Hegseth. “What evidence do you have that that order has ever been given?”

Hegseth asserted that there was “zero indication that an order was given to shoot protesters and that has not happened.”

Slotkin then referenced the actions of former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who served during President Donald Trump‘s first term, who chose not to order the military to use lethal force during the George Floyd protests in 2020.

“He had more guts and balls than you because he said, I’m not going to send in a uniformed military to do something that I know in my gut isn’t right … You’re pooh-poohing this,” said Slotkin.

Hegseth also traded barbs with Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) while testifying before the committee.

Rosen questioned the firings of several national security officials who were allegedly influenced by far-right media personality Laura Loomer.

Hegseth urged the committee to avoid “believing everything you read in the media.”

“I don’t discuss who I talk about anything with, but ultimately, this is my decision, and he serves at the pleasure of the president and that’s why he’s no longer there,” said Hegseth.

“Do you believe it’s appropriate for social media to influence personnel decisions in your department, yes or no?” asked Rosen.

Time then expired, yet Hegseth was given a moment to answer the final question, which is common practice when testifying before lawmakers.

“I believe your time is up,” said Hegseth.

“Oh, it is not up to you to tell me when my time is up. I am going to say, Mr. Secretary, you’re either feckless or complicit. You’re not in control of your department,” responded Rosen. “You [are] unserious. … I yield back and I don’t appreciate the smirk, sir. You are the secretary of defense.”

While Hegseth claimed that no order was given for troops to use lethal force against protestors, he did not clarify whether troops could be authorized to use force against unarmed civilians.