Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends Controversial Military Strikes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced significant scrutiny following a controversial military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. During a Cabinet meeting, Hegseth defended the second strike, which occurred on September 2, 2025, stating that Admiral Frank M. Bradley, who was in command of the operation, made the right call in ordering the follow-up strike. This second attack resulted in the deaths of two survivors who were reportedly clinging to the wreckage of the burning boat. Hegseth claimed he did not see these survivors during the initial strike, citing the 'fog of war' as a reason for his lack of awareness. He emphasized that the military's actions were aimed at eliminating threats posed by drug trafficking, a point echoed by President Trump, who stated that such strikes are essential to prevent drugs from entering the U.S. and suggested that the administration may expand its military efforts to land operations as well.

Critics, including Senator Rand Paul, have raised concerns about Hegseth's statements, questioning whether he was lying about his knowledge of the operations or simply incompetent. Paul characterized the decision to strike again as outrageous and called for universal condemnation of such military actions against individuals in distress. Meanwhile, Hegseth reiterated his support for the military's approach, arguing that the strikes are necessary to counteract the drug crisis affecting the American populace. He stated, 'We've only just begun striking narco-boats and putting narco-terrorists at the bottom of the ocean.'

President Trump expressed support for Hegseth, asserting that the Defense Secretary is 'doing a great job' and confirmed that he had not known about the second strike until after it occurred. Hegseth's comments have sparked bipartisan calls for further investigation into the legality and ethics of the military's actions, as the administration's strategy blurs the lines between counter-narcotics efforts and military engagement. Despite the controversy, Hegseth and Trump maintain that the strikes serve the American public's safety by targeting those involved in drug trafficking, as they prepare to potentially broaden their military operations into land-based strikes against drug manufacturers in South America, including Venezuela and Colombia.