Critics Slam Pete Hegseth's Unbelievable Effort to Transform New Scandal into a Meme

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under intense criticism online after attempting to make light of U.S. military attacks on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. According to a recent Washington Post report, Hegseth ordered a strike on one vessel in September, intending to eliminate everyone on board. When two survivors were spotted among the wreckage, a second double tap strike was reportedly launched to target them.

The allegations have sparked claims of potential violations of international law, with some experts suggesting that, if true, the actions could constitute war crimes or murder. Hegseth has denied these accusations. On Sunday, he posted a satirical image resembling a childrens book cover featuring Franklin the Turtle, referencing the operation.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told ABCs This Week, I think its very possible there was a war crime committed. Lawmakers from both parties have called for a congressional review of the incident.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and ranking member Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) stated in a press release that the committee will conduct vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.

Hegseth dismissed the Post report last week as fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting from the fake news. However, critics condemned his use of memes to trivialize a serious situation. Social media reactions ranged from condemnation to calls for accountability:

• Chef Jos Andrs tweeted that mocking the deaths while holding the power to intervene is so sad.
• Sarah Longwell questioned whether the country should allow someone to avoid accountability for alleged war crimes through online humor.
• Other users expressed outrage and disbelief at the tone of Hegseths posts, with comments labeling the behavior a disgrace and unacceptable.

The controversy highlights broader concerns about military oversight, the use of lethal force, and the responsibility of senior officials to act with seriousness and transparency in sensitive operations.

Author: Sophia Brooks