Trump Praises Hegseth’s Advocacy for Pardons of Service Members Charged with War Crimes

Trump Highlights Hegseth’s Role in Securing Pardons for Military Personnel

Former President Donald Trump reflected on his administration’s contentious decisions to pardon military personnel accused of war crimes, detailing the significant influence of now-Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in those actions.

In an interview with The Spectator, Trump revealed that Hegseth often reached out to advocate for service members facing serious charges, asserting that they acted according to their training during military operations.

Trump stated, “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.” This sentiment underscores Trump’s perspective on military conduct amidst wartime challenges.

Controversial Pardons During Trump’s Presidency

Among the service members pardoned in November 2019 were Army 1st Lt. Clint Lorance, Army Maj. Mathew Golsteyn, and Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Eddie Gallagher. Lorance, who had been serving a 19-year sentence for ordering the killing of unarmed Afghan civilians in 2012, was granted clemency during Trump’s term.

Golsteyn faced charges for allegedly murdering a Taliban bomb maker in 2010 and subsequently incinerating the remains. His case drew considerable media attention, particularly after Trump expressed interest in his situation.

Gallagher’s case garnered similar notoriety, as he was accused of stabbing an Islamic State prisoner in 2017 and faced a court martial. While he was acquitted of murder, he received a demotion for posing with a corpse. Trump’s pardon reinstated Gallagher to his original rank, emphasizing Trump’s support for him against what he termed unjust military legal actions.

Trump’s Critique of Military Leadership

In his conversation with The Spectator, Trump criticized elements within the military, suggesting that liberal influences led to the imprisonment of soldiers. He asserted, “The liberals within the military put them in jails. They teach him to be a soldier. They teach him to kill bad people, and when they kill bad people, they want to put them in jail for thirty years. And Pete was really into that.” This statement reflects Trump’s broader discontent with how military justice operates.

Hegseth, previously a host at Fox News and a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, has maintained a firm stance in support of Lorance, Golsteyn, and Gallagher. He publicly defended these men, insisting that they were not war criminals but soldiers committed to their mission.

Implications for Military Justice

As Hegseth stepped into his new role as Secretary of Defense, he reiterated his priorities during his confirmation hearing. He expressed a desire to eliminate legal barriers preventing military personnel from effectively executing their duties on the battlefield. Hegseth stated, “We follow rules, but we don’t need burdensome rules of engagement that make it impossible for us to win these wars.”

This perspective was met with concern by some lawmakers, including Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island. Reed and others highlighted statements from fellow service members who reported Lorance and Gallagher for their actions, emphasizing the importance of accountability within military ranks.

Reed remarked, “They did their duty as soldiers to report war crimes. Your definition of lethality seems to embrace those people who do commit war crimes, rather than those who stand up and say, ‘This is not right.'” This critique raises questions about the balance between operational effectiveness and ethical conduct in military operations.

Hegseth’s Military Background and Recognition

Hegseth served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, participating in deployments to high-conflict areas such as Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned two Bronze Star Medals, recognizing his heroic service and achievements in combat zones.

Looking Ahead: Future Considerations for Military Pardons

The Department of Defense has directed inquiries to the White House regarding potential future pardons for service members accused of war crimes. However, at this point, there has been no clear indication from the current administration about any forthcoming clemency actions.

As the landscape of military justice continues to evolve, the implications of Hegseth’s tenure as Secretary of Defense could have a lasting impact on how cases involving service members are perceived and handled. The intersection of military policy, public perception, and legal accountability remains a crucial topic for lawmakers and military advocates alike.