“No... secretary of defense has ever been impeached for carrying out lawful military operations,” said Hegseth, who is facing impeachment for allegedly carrying out unlawful military operations.

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[–] 18 points 4 hours ago* (4 children)

I know Trump has his pardon just waiting for a signature, but considering he violated international and Pentagon law by killing defenseless survivors, this is pretty bold to just admit mens rea for criminal conviction purposes.

Pretty useful for sentencing too.

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  • [–] 11 points 3 hours ago

    A pardon can't protect Hegseth from being impeached by Congress and removed from office. It does protect him from going to jail.

    What if another country came in, kidnapped him, and delivered him to the Hague and stand trial. Trump and Hegseth made that OK to do.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 hours ago

    Impeachment is pardon proof via the constitution. The actual limits have never been tested, but someone with gumption could argue that the crimes one has been impeached over, cannot be pardoned at all.

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