‘Too aggressive militarily’: Trump talks Hegseth’s role pardoning service members accused of war crimes

President Donald Trump has proudly highlighted his track record of pardoning several service members accused of war crimes during his first term in office, shedding light on the crucial role played by now-Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in securing those pardons.

In a recent interview with The Spectator, Trump revealed that Hegseth would frequently reach out to him to advocate on behalf of service members facing war crime charges, emphasizing that these individuals were simply carrying out their training. Trump explained, “What he wanted to talk about was military. In fact, whenever he called me, it was always to get somebody that was in trouble because he was too aggressive militarily out of a jail. You know, I got numerous soldiers out of jails because they did what they were trained to do.”

During his first administration in November 2019, Trump issued pardons to Army 1st Lt. Clint Lorance, Army Maj. Mathew Golsteyn, and Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Eddie Gallagher. Lorance was serving a 19-year sentence for ordering his soldiers to open fire on unarmed Afghan civilians in 2012, Golsteyn faced charges for murdering an alleged Taliban bomb maker in 2010, and Gallagher was accused of stabbing an Islamic State prisoner in 2017. Trump’s pardons brought relief to these individuals who had faced imprisonment for their actions in combat.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and member of the U.S. Army National Guard, was a vocal advocate for these service members, asserting that they were warriors, not war criminals. He passionately defended Lorance, Golsteyn, and Gallagher in various media appearances, emphasizing their dedication to serving their country.

In his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense, Hegseth expressed his commitment to ensuring that service members on the frontlines have the necessary support to effectively combat the enemy. He emphasized the importance of clear rules of engagement that do not hinder military success, stating, “We follow rules, but we don’t need burdensome rules of engagement that make it impossible for us to win these wars.”

While some lawmakers raised concerns about Hegseth’s stance on the war crime cases during his confirmation hearing, citing reports from fellow service members who had witnessed and reported the actions of Lorance and Gallagher, Hegseth remained steadfast in his belief in supporting those who defend the nation.

As a former infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard with deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan, and Iraq, Hegseth brings a wealth of military experience to his role as Secretary of Defense. His dedication to upholding the values of the armed forces and ensuring that service members receive fair treatment reflects his deep commitment to the military community.

In conclusion, President Trump’s pardoning of service members accused of war crimes, along with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s unwavering support for these individuals, underscores the complexities of military justice and the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by those who serve their country. Hegseth’s advocacy for these service members serves as a testament to his dedication to upholding the principles of justice and fairness within the military.