Democratic Representative Criticizes Hegseth for Blaming Admiral: Disrespectful Towards Military

Representative Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) has sharply criticized the Trump administration for reportedly abandoning Navy Admiral Frank Bradley in relation to the U.S. militarys controversial September double tap airstrike on survivors clinging to the wreckage of a suspected Venezuelan drug vessel in the Caribbean.

This is exactly whats happening, Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, told CNNs Anderson Cooper on Monday. This administration shows a blatant disregard for our armed forces. Weve observed this from the very start, and this incident only confirms it.

Moultons statement follows comments by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said Monday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was unaware of the second strike. She emphasized that Admiral Bradley acted appropriately within his authority to finish off the vessel, which had already been targeted in a prior airstrike. Leavitts account contradicted a report in The Washington Post indicating that Bradley communicated Hegseths alleged kill everybody directive for the follow-up attack.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Sunday, former President Trump denied he would have authorized a second strike and expressed doubt that Hegseth issued such orders. The White House has not provided immediate comment to HuffPost inquiries. On Monday night, Hegseth appeared to reinforce that Bradley had independently decided on the second strike, writing on X that he fully supports the admiral and his combat decisions.

Hegseth told reporters Tuesday that he was not present to witness the second strike, stating, I stand by him and the combat decisions he has madeon the September 2 mission and all others since. Bradley has my full support.

In the same interview, Moulton criticized Hegseth for a perceived lack of accountability. Those in positions of authority must answer to the law, including the Secretary of Defense and the commander-in-chief, Moulton said.

A video shared by Anderson Cooper 360 highlights Moultons remarks on the incident, emphasizing that the administration appears to be shifting responsibility away from the admiral for the double-tap strike.

Author: Sophia Brooks