Did Hegseth Give an Illegal “Kill Everybody” Order?

Episode 402 of the Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast podcast, hosted by WNYC Studios, titled "Did Hegseth Give an Illegal “Kill Everybody” Order?" was published on December 3, 2025 and runs 21 minutes.

December 3, 2025 ·21m · Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

0:00 / 0:00

Episode Description

Senator Mark Kelly appeared in a video alongside other veterans now serving in Congress, telling service members, “Our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal orders.” The Pentagon has since opened an investigation and even raised the possibility of recalling him to active duty for potential discipline.

On Today's Show:
Zachary Cohen, senior reporter on the national security beat for CNN, talks about what Kelly said, why Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the probe, and how this all fits into other Pentagon headlines this week, including reports of U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats.