Elissa Slotkin, Michigan's new US senator, wanted to know if Pete Hegseth would reject an unlawful order to use the military against civilians.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin asked defense-secretary nominee Pete Hegseth whether presidents can give illegal orders to the military, and whether Hegseth would follow them.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) pressed Pete Hegseth about his future response as secretary of defense to President-elect Donald Trump's orders if they violate the Constitution. Slotkin used an example from Defense Secretary Mark Esper's time in Trump's term in the White House to argue the potential scenario.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D., Mich.) asked Hegseth whether a president can give an illegal order and, if so, would he “stand in the breach” should President-elect Donald Trump do so. Hegseth said he rejected the premise of the question,

Mich., pressed Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's pick to lead the Defense Department, Tuesday during Hegseth's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on if he would carry out an illegal order if Trump would issue one.

Hegseth awkwardly skirted giving firm answers on topics related to his personal baggage and what he would do as defense secretary.

Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters questioned Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, during his confirmation hearing.

Michigan's two Democratic senators probed Pete Hegseth's qualifications to lead the Pentagon and whether he'd follow illegal orders from Donald Trump.

Readers say he lacks the qualifications and integrity to be defense secretary. Also: Heroism amid the tragedy in L.A.; alone in an empty church.

Would Pete Hegseth carry out an order to shoot American protesters on American streets? His reluctance to give a straight answer spoke volumes.

Stonewalling questions about his sexual behavior and excessive drinking as “anonymous smears,” the Fox host charmed the Senate Armed Services Committee’s GOP majority into submission.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary, will appear before the Senate on Tuesday morning.