Key Takeaways:
- Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s response during a House hearing.
- Hegseth dodged a question about respecting Supreme Court decisions on Marine deployments.
- Raskin suggested Hegseth’s answer hinted at ignoring court orders, raising constitutional crisis fears.
- Raskin made a jab at Hegseth’s past drinking issues, referencing DUI hires in the Trump administration.
- He emphasized the importance of the Constitution and civilian control over the military.
Rep. Raskin Calls Out Defense Secretary Over Constitutional Concerns
In a tense exchange on MSNBC’s The Weekend, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) sounded the alarm over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s troubling remarks during a recent House hearing. Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, faced scrutiny for his vague and evasive answers, sparking concerns about the military’s role in upholding court orders.
The Exchange That Raised Eyebrows
During the hearing, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) asked Hegseth if he would “respect any Supreme Court decision” that barred Marines from being deployed on U.S. streets. Instead of giving a clear answer, Hegseth deflected, saying, “What I’m saying is local district judges shouldn’t make foreign policy.”
When Raskin was shown this clip, he didn’t hold back. “So, congressman, when you have the secretary of defense saying that, yes, Marines might defy court orders—are we at a constitutional crisis?” the MSNBC host asked.
Raskin didn’t mince words. “Well, we clearly have too many DUI hires in the Trump administration,” he quipped, referencing Hegseth’s well-documented struggles with alcohol. His co-host, Elise Jordan, couldn’t help but smile and mutter, “Oooo.”
But Raskin quickly turned serious, laying out the stakes. “The Constitution says that the Constitution and federal law are supreme,” he explained. “We have a Supreme Court, not a supreme leader. We don’t have kings or monarchs here. This is a civilian government.”
Raskin Breaks Down the Constitution
The Maryland Democrat emphasized the separation of powers, reminding viewers that Congress holds legislative authority, the judiciary interprets the law, and the executive branch enforces it. “The president’s job is to ensure the laws are faithfully executed,” he said.
Raskin also criticized Hegseth’s suggestion that judges shouldn’t influence foreign policy. “That’s not how it works,” he said. “Local, state, and federal courts all have a role in upholding the Constitution.”
Why This Matters
Raskin’s comments highlight a growing concern among Democrats: whether the Trump administration respects the rule of law. Hegseth’s vague answers have fueled fears that the military could be used to bypass legal checks and balances.
The Defense Secretary’s response also draws attention to his past controversies, including his history of drinking problems. While Hegseth has faced criticism for his behavior, Raskin’s jab added fuel to the fire.
Hegseth’s Turbulent Past
Hegseth’s drinking issues are no secret. Before joining the Trump administration, he was arrested for DUI in 2016. His appointment as Defense Secretary has been contentious, with critics questioning his fitness for the role.
Raskin’s cheeky reference to “DUI hires” in the Trump administration didn’t go unnoticed. It’s the latest in a string of controversies surrounding Hegseth, who has faced accusations of being unfit for his position.
####้าน…
This exchange underscores the ongoing tensions between Democrats and the Trump administration. With concerns over constitutional integrity mounting, Raskin’s words served as a stark reminder of the high stakes in Washington.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the relationship between the executive branch, the military, and the judiciary remains a flashpoint in American politics. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.