Hegseth comments on recent boat strike: 'We are here to fulfill your wishes'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that U.S. forces will persist in targeting suspected narco vessels in the Caribbean, despite criticism from some lawmakers in Washington who accuse him of authorizing a potentially unlawful follow-up strike on survivors during the September 2 operation.

Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Turning Point USA, posted on X: Every attack aimed at Pete Hegseth makes me want another narco drug boat sunk. Hegseth replied: Your wish is our command, Andrew. Just sunk another narco boat.

The exchange followed remarks by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who criticized Hegseths leadership in light of the strike and a Pentagon watchdog report on the Defense Secretarys use of the Signal messaging app. Schumer wrote: Pete Hegseth is not qualified to serve as Secretary of Defense. Our troops deserve better. He must resign.

Hegseth has responded to the controversy with humor, sharing a meme of the childrens character Franklin the Turtle dressed in military gear and firing a rocket launcher at boats. The publisher of the book condemned the administration over the parody image.

The situation traces back to last month when The Washington Post reported that Hegseth authorized a second strike on a Caribbean vessel after the first left survivors, allegedly instructing military leaders to kill everybody. Hegseth has denied involvement in the second strike, calling the report fake news and asserting he was not present for the follow-up operation.

Navy Admiral Frank Bradley, who commanded the operation, briefed House and Senate leaders Thursday, refuting The Posts account. Additionally, Hegseth reportedly requested the resignation of U.S. Southern Command head Admiral Alvin Holsey after the admiral raised concerns about the legality of the attacks, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The Trump administration has defended the military operations amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. Lawmakers from both parties have increasingly called for transparency, with many urging the Defense Secretary to testify or step aside.

Author: Lucas Grant