The Trump admin officials don’t play games. There’s no time for political theater.
That’s why Trump’s Secretary of Defense just shut down and shut up a U.S. Senate Democrat during a hearing.
Sec Def Pete Hegseth Shuts Down Democrat Senator For Insane Question
The streets of Los Angeles recently descended into turmoil, with anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots exposing a stark divide between those who prioritize law and order and those who turn a blind eye to chaos. On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced off against Democrat Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono during a tense Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, where she accused the Trump administration of deploying “lethal force” against civilians.
Hirono’s pointed questions aimed to paint President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines as an escalation of tensions. She pressed Hegseth, asking, “Do you plan to unleash this lethal force against U.S. citizens and civilians in LA and other cities?” Her framing suggested a reckless use of force, ignoring the reality of Molotov cocktails, burning cars, and assaults on law enforcement that have plagued Los Angeles. The senator’s rhetoric plays nicely with the Democrat history of downplaying the severity ofb riots, framing them as mere protests rather than acknowledging the criminal acts at their core.
Hegseth, undeterred, rejected Hirono’s accusations outright. “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,” he stated. His response highlighted the administration’s focus on protecting federal agents and upholding immigration laws, a priority Democrats have consistently sidestepped in favor of sanctuary policies.
The senator’s persistence took a theatrical turn when she interrupted Hegseth, demanding he respond “professionally” before posing a hypothetical about shooting peaceful protesters in the legs. “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 shot back. Pete Hegseth refused to entertain Hirono’s inflammatory scenario or give it any validity.
Rioters have hurled Molotov cocktails and fireworks, set vehicles ablaze, and assaulted police officers, prompting a robust response from the National Guard and Marines. On Sunday, officers deployed tear gas and flash bangs to separate violent rioters from peaceful protesters, a necessary measure to prevent further escalation. Yet, Democrats like Hirono seem more concerned with criticizing the response than addressing the violence that necessitated it, a stance that risks emboldening further lawlessness.
A particularly egregious case involves Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, a previously deported Mexican national now facing attempted murder charges for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at ICE agents on June 7, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This incident alone highlights the dangerous convergence of illegal immigration and violent crime, a connection the Trump administration has long warned about. Democrats, however, remain silent on such cases, preferring to champion sanctuary policies that shield individuals like Garduno-Galvez from deportation.
Los Angeles officials, backed by the Trump administration’s resolve, have taken decisive action. LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, alongside U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli and California Highway Patrol Southern Division Chief Chris Margaris, announced sweeping federal and state charges against numerous alleged rioters during a Tuesday news conference. “This group wanted to commit crimes,” Hochman said. “They looked at the protest as a cover, an opportunity to go ahead and ply their illegal trade and commit a whole variety of crimes that, in many ways, has done a huge disservice to the legitimate protesters out there.” His words draw a clear line between lawful protest and criminal opportunism, a distinction Democrats appear reluctant to make.
The administration’s efforts faced a brief setback when a Clinton-appointed judge ordered a halt to the deployment of California National Guard members on Thursday. However, a federal appeals court swiftly overturned the ruling, affirming the president’s authority to protect national security. Hegseth, addressing Hirono’s accusation that he dismissed court rulings as “illegitimate,” clarified that district courts should not dictate national security policy. His stance reinforces the Trump administration’s commitment to decisive action, unhindered by judicial overreach from holdovers of past administrations.
The scale of the response in Los Angeles reflects the gravity of the situation. Over 45 law enforcement agencies have collaborated to maintain order, with several arrests stemming from peaceful protesters reporting acts of violence. This cooperation just goes to show the community’s desire for safety, a sentiment the Trump administration has championed through its unwavering support for law enforcement. Democrats, by contrast, risk alienating law-abiding citizens by focusing their ire on federal forces rather than the rioters who threaten public safety.
The contrast between the two sides could not be starker. While the Trump administration deploys resources to protect federal agents and citizens alike, Democrats like Hirono engage in grandstanding, accusing the administration of overreach without offering solutions to the violence. Their refusal to acknowledge the need for law and order in Los Angeles speaks volumes about their priorities, which seem more aligned with political point-scoring than with ensuring the safety of American communities.
The riots have also exposed the consequences of years of lax immigration enforcement, a hallmark of the previous administration. Hegseth’s reference to the “21 million illegals” allowed to cross the border serves as a reminder of the challenges inherited by President Trump. His administration’s push to deport illegal aliens is a direct response to this crisis, yet Democrats continue to obstruct these efforts, prioritizing open borders over the rule of law.
