MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell said on « The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell » that War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the phrase « we leave no man behind » was outdated, as he responded to remarks during a White House briefing about a recent U.S. military rescue operation.
O’Donnell began by addressing Hegseth’s statement directly and contrasting it with what he described as a more modern understanding of military service.
« That is, of course, the old school version of the idea back when only men flew American military planes, » O’Donnell said.
He pointed to how military language has evolved, noting that current leadership has adopted broader terminology.
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O’Donnell argued that the updated phrasing better reflects the inclusion of women in combat roles, claiming that General Dan Kaine’s framing is more accurate.
« The general knows, unlike Pete Hegseth, that that could have been a woman they were trying to rescue, » O’Donnell said. « It might be a woman the next time. »
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The MSNBC host then broadened his critique, challenging the idea that the U.S. military has consistently upheld the principle in practice.
« This 21st century notion that we leave no one behind ignores the 120,000 prisoners of war held by German and Japanese forces in World War II, » O’Donnell said, noting they were « left behind » for years.
He also referenced the Vietnam War, invoking the experience of the late Sen. John McCain.
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« In Vietnam, we left John McCain behind, » O’Donnell said, recounting how McCain was captured and held as a prisoner of war for five years.
O’Donnell connected that history to comments made by President Donald Trump during his first presidential campaign.
« When reminded that John McCain was a war hero, Donald Trump said he’s not a war hero, » O’Donnell said, quoting Trump’s remark, « ‘I like people who weren’t captured.' »
O’Donnell emphasized how modern rescue missions differ significantly from past conflicts.
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« The idea of using 155 aircraft and hundreds of military personnel on an immediate rescue mission for a single person… was inconceivable in World War II or in Vietnam, » he said.
O’Donnell ultimately framed his criticism around what he sees as a disconnect between rhetoric and reality in military history and policy.
« The idea… ignores history, » he said, arguing that the phrase has evolved beyond its original meaning and should reflect both modern service members and historical context.
Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/media/msnbc-host-offended-hegseths-we-leave-no-man-behind-statement
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Publish date : 2026-04-09 00:00:00
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