Hegseth Cites Trump Orders in Impeachment Defense, Drawing Nazi Comparisons

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing sharp criticism after publicly defending himself against an impeachment motion by citing orders from President Donald Trump, with critics drawing comparisons to Nazi-era defenses. Hegseth addressed reporters at the Pentagon for the first time in six months, rejecting allegations from Republican Representative Thomas Massie that he conducted unauthorized wars in Iran and Yemen, arrested Venezuelan ex-President Nicolás Maduro, and ordered deadly attacks on suspected drug boats. He stated all operations were lawful and ordered by the commander-in-chief. His remarks, widely shared on social media, prompted journalist Aaron Rupar and Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson to invoke the Nuremberg trials, where "following orders" was rejected as a defense. Legal expert George Conway noted the statements could also implicate Trump if the actions were unlawful.