Dem Senator Hirono Tries to Corner Pete Hegseth, He ‘Won’t Fall For It’ [WATCH]

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced sharp criticism from Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, as tensions rose over the federal response to anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots in Los Angeles.

Sen. Hirono questioned the deployment of U.S. Marines and National Guard personnel to the city, accusing the Trump administration of “escalating tensions” and using “lethal force” against civilians.

Hegseth strongly rejected the accusations and defended the actions of federal forces in containing violent riots that erupted in recent days.

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“Do you plan to unleash this lethal force against U.S. citizens and civilians in LA and other cities?” Hirono asked during the hearing.

Hegseth responded, “Well, senator, I would reject more of the characterization of that statement, including lethality against U.S. cities when all of those National Guardsman and Marines have conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism defending our federal agents. Americans deserve to be able to do their jobs to deport illegal aliens after the previous administration allowed 21 million illegals to cross our border.”

Sen. Hirono interrupted to demand that Hegseth answer more professionally and proceeded to ask if he would obey an order from President Donald Trump to shoot peaceful protesters in the legs. Hegseth again pushed back on the premise of the question.

“Senator, as I said before, of course I reject the premise of your question. And the characterization that I would be given or are given unlawful orders, it’s all meant to smear the commander-in-chief and I won’t fall for it,” Hegseth stated.

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The exchange took place days after a federal judge, appointed during the Clinton administration, issued an order directing President Trump to cease the use of the California National Guard in the ongoing unrest.

That order was immediately overturned by a federal appeals court, allowing the deployment to continue.

Hegseth also challenged the role of lower courts in directing national security decisions.

“District courts should not dictate national security policy,” he said.

Sen. Hirono responded by accusing the Defense Secretary of dismissing the legitimacy of court rulings.

Riots in Los Angeles have escalated in recent days, with reports of Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and physical assaults against law enforcement officers.

In response, the National Guard and U.S. Marines were positioned in the streets to support federal and local officers.

Tear gas and flash bangs were deployed during a confrontation on Sunday in an effort to disperse violent demonstrators and prevent large groups of protesters from overrunning law enforcement lines.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, a previously deported Mexican national, is now facing attempted murder charges.

He allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at ICE agents during the unrest on June 7.

Despite repeated interruptions and pointed accusations from Democratic lawmakers, Secretary Hegseth maintained that military personnel have acted professionally and lawfully while supporting ICE and federal agents.

The administration has emphasized that the deployments are intended to protect law enforcement officers and uphold public safety amid ongoing rioting.

The Senate hearing highlighted continued political divides over immigration enforcement and federal responses to civil unrest, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions like Los Angeles.

The situation remains fluid as federal agencies and military units remain deployed across parts of California.

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