Pete Hegseth's Affinity for Lethality Led Him to Write a Book.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has quickly become a figure of controversy, accumulating scandals within his first ten months in office. His latest controversy revolves around allegations that under his leadership, U.S. forces may have committed war crimes in the fight against drug trafficking.

Earlier, in March, a Pentagon inspector generals report criticized Hegseth for using the Signal messaging app in ways that endangered military operations and personnel. Now, scrutiny has shifted to his broader approach to military engagement.

Hegseths perspective on warfare emphasizes raw power over established rules. His 2024 book, The War on Warriors, critiques traditional rules of engagement as outdated and restrictive, arguing that American soldiers are constrained by regulations created decades ago. Hegseth has stated, Modern war-fighters fight lawyers as much as we fight bad guys, advocating for a more aggressive, unrestrained approach to combat.

Even before assuming office, Hegseth defended soldiers accused of war crimes. He publicly supported figures such as Eddie Gallagher, Matthew Golsteyn, and First Lieutenant Clint Lorance, highlighting his long-standing belief that military actions should be judged by American standards rather than international or legal constraints.

In the Pentagon, Hegseth has implemented policies reflecting this philosophy. He has reduced funding for nonlethal operations and removed initiatives aimed at limiting civilian casualties. Commanders have been granted greater freedom in using force, a shift that has had serious consequences, particularly in Yemen, where U.S. military actions under Hegseths directives resulted in over 500 civilian casualties compared to 85 during previous operations.

The most alarming incident involved a double-tap strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean. According to reporting, Hegseth instructed commanders to kill everybody aboard such vessels. When survivors remained after the initial strike, a second attack was carried out, resulting in their deaths. Legal experts note that this directive violates U.S. military law, which forbids hostilities designed to leave no survivors.

Hegseths aggressive stance on military engagement has drawn bipartisan attention, with Republican leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees calling for hearings on these attacks. Despite public awareness of his extreme positions prior to his confirmation, Senate Republicans approved his appointment, allowing his lethal-focused policies to take hold.

The growing evidence of potential war crimes and the deadly outcomes of his directives have intensified calls for accountability. Many argue that the only appropriate response to Hegseths tenure is for Congress to demand his resignation, given the risks his command philosophy poses to both civilians and U.S. military personnel.

Author: Logan Reeves