There’s Always A Tweet

This 👇 is a deeply un-American sentiment to post. The military is subject to laws. We should not have leaders who disagree

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 15, 2026

So, Hegseth is quoting Rubio, who, in the speech referenced, quoted Pompey, a Roman general.

According to Plutarch's Life of Pompey, the Roman commander encountered resistance in Messana, Sicily, around 82 BC. When the inhabitants invoked legal privileges against his jurisdiction, Pompey answered by asserting the authority of armed force.

Things didn’t end so well for Pompey. Maybe quote a general who didn’t end up dead on an Egyptian beach.

— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) November 15, 2026

So fun history tidbit: “Stop quoting laws to MEN WITH SWORDS” is the Roman general Pompey's line, from when a city cited its legal rights to him. Pompey was later stabbed and beheaded in Egypt so the swords didn’t exactly work out great.

— Matt Royer (@royermattw) November 15, 2026

Pompey didn’t die in battle. He was executed, following a civil war. The more appropriate aphorism is: “Live by the sword, die by the sword.”