Democratic lawmaker condemns Hegseth’s call for ‘no quarter’ for US enemies
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Defense Secretary Hegseth called for 'no quarter' for U.S. enemies during Pentagon briefing.
AI Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called for "no quarter" for US enemies during a Friday press briefing at the Pentagon. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a Democrat with military experience, criticized the statement on X, explaining that "no quarter" means taking no prisoners and killing them instead. Kelly warned that if troops followed such an order, it would constitute a potential violation of international law. The controversy highlights concerns about the Defense Secretary's rhetoric regarding military engagement with adversaries.
What's Being Done
Senator Mark Kelly criticized the statement as potentially violating international law.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Trump's Influence on US Politics and Foreign Policy
Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence on US politics, from taunting foreign leaders and shaping primary elections to making controversial statements on immigration and foreign policy, including his stance on the ongoing Iran conflict.
Trump's Influence on US Politics and Elections
Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over US politics, from taunting political rivals and making policy demands to impacting primary elections and facing legal challenges. His statements and actions are shaping ongoing debates and future electoral contests.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsPowell called these 13 lawmakers as DOJ opened criminal probe
In the week after the Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, the central bank head called 13 lawmakers. The calls, listed on Powell’s public calendar for January, were all 10 to 15 minutes in length. The Fed chair spoke with lawmakers from both chambers of Congress and…
PoliticsA seat at the table, but no vote yet for a Democratic lawmaker in the Kennedy Center board showdown - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqwFBVV95cUxNcjJVS0g5QkNqMUFqRG83d3R4Q0ZFb0pGZkNsbzQxeGtPUXFSSmZsazY3d1FuMXlxUldfcmZneUh4TldqWnRTQ2VwWEt4QkRwZVRVMy1JcnZoX0pDQ0tpeUFKaXNhRi1aTnNuVnBocUJMNkF0ZXMyajV4b3VpckpkdU5LZTZNSk9ZNmVUQ0Fia1lEWnhrV0pZYTFlYkx5WDl6dzl6SFZYMEdNV0E?oc=5" target="_blank">A seat at the table, but no vote yet for a Democratic lawmaker in the Kennedy Center board showdown</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsDemocratic lawmaker allowed to attend Kennedy Center board meeting, judge rules
<p>Ohio representative Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member, may access documents and speak, but may not vote</p><p>A federal judge ruled on Saturday that a Democratic lawmaker is entitled to participate at a board meeting about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump">Donald Trump</a>’s plan to close down the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for two years of renovations.</p><p>But the judge is not forcing the board to let the Ohio representative Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member through her position in Congress, vote at Monday’s session.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/14/kennedy-center-board-meeting-democrat">Continue reading...</a>
Government TransparencyFed Chair Powell held 13 calls with US lawmakers in week after DOJ probe disclosure - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwwFBVV95cUxPNHg4N1BnZWpIc1pDY0xSRk9uc2pRYXRMSVVaYjVGRGtnVmphTkFWTXQ1eG1RV2xrWFdpTnpnekJLc2dJTkZNWG5DdW5Ga1NfbGFHRUwtbTVNSzhTR1RtMVFGVDhqcFNHZUFBdGdjb3h3cUtWYnNOVGc1R09hekNQOHBMSlQtR2lfNldIR25wTTB5cjFVZXFnMlg2WnBXZzR1b1dDWG1VcFFlZWhqR1dHdmxiRXRTdDRYbUpFT1dya2FaXzg?oc=5" target="_blank">Fed Chair Powell held 13 calls with US lawmakers in week after DOJ probe disclosure</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
National SecurityDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth's extended 60 Minutes interview
CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett sat down with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington, D.C. They spoke on Friday, March 6th about the state of the war with Iran, potential American casualties, what an Iranian surrender could look like, and more. Editor's note: The video above is an extended version of the interview that was broadcast on 60 Minutes on Sunday, March 8, 2026. This extended version was condensed for clarity.
National SecurityHegseth claims Iran's new supreme leader is "wounded and likely disfigured"
<p>Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran's new supreme leader, <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/08/mojtaba-khamenei-iran-supreme-leader" target="_blank">Mojtaba Khamenei</a>, is "wounded and likely disfigured."</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Hegseth's claim was the first official statement by the Trump administration about Khamenei's health since he was named the country's leader.</p><hr><ul><li>"Iran's leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding they have gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured," Hegseth told reporters at a briefing.</li></ul><p><strong>Behind the scenes:</strong> President Trump told G7 leaders in a virtual meeting on Wednesday that Khamenei "is not in good shape," according to a source with knowledge of the call.</p><ul><li>"Nobody knows who is the leader, so there is no one that can announce surrender," <a href="https://www.axios.c...

Judge blocks Trump administration's subpoenas against Fed Chair Powell
A federal judge blocked two grand jury subpoenas against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday. Chief Judge James Boasberg wrote that "the Government has offered no evidence whatsoever that Powell committed any crime other than displeasing the President."
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
‘No popular support’: China warns against government change in Iran

Whitmer's office calls for probe into why weather service didn't issue tornado watch - The Detroit News

Defense official reveals how AI chatbots could be used for targeting decisions

Rubio designates Afghanistan as ‘state sponsor of wrongful detention’

Senate Democrat calls for investigation into Texas drone incidents


