Hegseth’s Defense Is the Same Script Used to Sell Torture

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats at a Pentagon press conference, dismissing allegations of unlawful conduct. Republican Representative Thomas Massie has introduced eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of unauthorized operations and extrajudicial killings. The House voted 211–204 on Tuesday to refer the articles to committee, effectively blocking the impeachment effort. Newsweek columnist Saul Hudson compares Hegseth’s defense to arguments used to justify torture.