“No Quarter, No Mercy” — Hegseth’s Words Trigger Massive Backlash

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]It's my understanding that the definition of no quarter is that legitimate offer offers of surrender will be refused or that detainees will be executed.

[00:00:16]Is that your understanding of the definition?

[00:00:20]>> Well, the only entity that would kill detainees or target civilians is the Iranians and they're the ones being crushed. It's the Iranian military and their military capability.

[00:00:29]>> is do you disagree completely with your articulation? No, do you understand the definition that I just read you because that's the definition from your department's law of war manual.

[00:00:41]Is that your understanding?

[00:00:42]And I'm going to I'm going to just get to the point here.

[00:00:44]>> We we fight to win and we follow the law, Senator.

[00:00:46]>> Okay, so your your quote was, "We will keep pushing, keep advancing, no quarter, no mercy for our enemies." And yesterday you did not clarify whether you stand by this statement. So, I'm going to give you another opportunity to clarify if that is what you meant. Do you stand by that statement you made on March 13th?

[00:01:11]>> We have untied the hands of our warfighters.

[00:01:14]We fight to win and we follow the law.

[00:01:16]>> Okay, so you're not clarifying. So, you stand by that statement. So, you're the Secretary of Defense. The things you say matter and your response here right now makes it clear to the American people exactly why you are not right for this job.

[00:01:33]>> it clear to our enemies, Senator.

[00:01:35]>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[00:01:37]>> Um