CNN's Kaitlan Collins Condemns Trump Boat Strikes Using 'Law of War' Receipt: 'It Is Prohibited—'

CNN anchor and senior White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins confronted President Donald Trump and the Department of Defense, citing the Pentagons Law of War Manual following deadly attacks on suspected drug-smuggling vessels. Trump has overseen months of airstrikes against such boats in the Caribbean, resulting in dozens of deaths across at least 21 documented incidents. Questions have arisen about the legality of these operations, particularly after reports that survivors from one strike were later targeted and killed.

Initial reports suggested Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized the follow-up strike, but he later attributed the decision to Admiral Frank Bradley while maintaining his support. During Mondays edition of The Source with Kaitlan Collins on CNN, Collins detailed the unfolding situation and concluded with a reading from the Department of Defenses own war guidelines.

Collins Coverage on The Source

Kaitlan Collins: Tonight, President Trump met with his top national security advisors to discuss Venezuela. Although the U.S. is not officially at war, Trump has suggested military action to combat drug trafficking. This would extend the operations already underway in the Caribbean, which have killed over 80 individuals labeled as narco-terrorists by the administration. One strike, in particular, has drawn scrutiny even from some Republican lawmakers.

The Pentagon shared footage of a September 2 strike, claiming it targeted a drug-smuggling boat. While the first strike was recorded and released, two survivors of the attack were later killed in a second strike. The White House has not released video of this follow-up action.

Following the reporting, Hegseth called initial news coverage fake news, while the Pentagon disputed claims made by The Washington Post. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Hegseth had authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct the strikes and affirmed Bradley acted within his authority.

Kaitlan Collins: This raised questions about whether a war crime occurred, as the administrations timeline and awareness of the survivors remain unclear. Hegseth later expressed support for Admiral Bradley, stating, I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made on the September 2 mission and all others since.

President Trump recently commented on the matter, admitting he did not know about the second strike and relied on Hegseths account regarding the orders.

Legal Concerns and Policy Questions

Approximately one month after the strike, another incident left survivors who were rescued and repatriated. Hegseth previously emphasized a no-holds-barred approach to military operations, declaring that U.S. forces would unleash overwhelming and punishing violence without restrictive rules of engagement.

The legality of the second strike remains under scrutiny, particularly amid broader debates over presidential authority and military conduct. During a briefing, the White House maintained that the strike was carried out in self-defense, in international waters, and within the Law of Armed Conflict, highlighting that Admiral Bradley acted appropriately.

Kaitlan Collins: The Pentagons Law of War Manual explicitly forbids declaring that no quarter will be given or targeting individuals with the intent that no survivors remain.

Collins report emphasized that the administration continues to attribute responsibility for the second strike to Admiral Bradley rather than Secretary Hegseth. The debate underscores ongoing concerns about the legal and ethical framework guiding U.S. military operations against suspected drug traffickers.

Author: Sophia Brooks