Hegseth under increasing pressure following boat strike aftermath

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is encountering intense criticism following a report by The Washington Post claiming he instructed the military to "eliminate everyone" on a boat during a Caribbean operation. Democrats have raised concerns over a potential war crime, while President Trump stated he would not have authorized a second strike.

The report indicates that Hegseth gave the order prior to a September 2 strike against a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The initial attack did not immediately neutralize all 11 people on board, described by officials as "narco-terrorists," leading the Special Operations commander in charge to initiate a follow-up strike to fulfill Hegseths directive. The White House confirmed that Hegseth approved the second strike and maintained that the operations were legal, reporting at least 83 fatalities from these missions.

White House spokesperson Leavitt told reporters, referring to Adm. Frank M. Mitch Bradley, that "Secretary Hegseth authorized Adm. Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Adm. Bradley acted fully within his authority and the law to eliminate the vessel and remove the threat to the United States."

Hegseth publicly endorsed Bradley, calling him "an American hero" and affirming his support for all combat decisions made during the September 2 mission and subsequent operations.

President Trump expressed confidence in Hegseth while noting he personally would not have approved a second strike, describing the initial attack as sufficient. "The first strike was highly effective," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

The September 2 operations targeted members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan transnational gang designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S., sparking bipartisan controversy. Some lawmakers, including Democrat and Republican voices, questioned the legality of the strike. Rep. Mike Turner called the operation potentially illegal, emphasizing the seriousness of executing orders that might violate the law.

The Trump administration maintains that the U.S. is in a "non-international armed conflict" with designated terrorist groups, citing a Justice Department legal opinion that troops following lawful orders under these conditions cannot be prosecuted. Critics, however, argue the conditions for this classification are not met, suggesting the actions could constitute extrajudicial killings rather than legitimate wartime actions.

Legal analysts have raised concerns about the execution of individuals already incapacitated, stating that such actions contravene established laws of war. The lack of resistance within the chain of command to these orders has been described as a significant breakdown in legal and military oversight.

Hegseth has dismissed the reporting, though the Pentagon has briefed Congress on the operations. Gen. Dan Caine, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed counter-narcoterrorism efforts and defended the professionalism of U.S. commanders involved.

The series of Caribbean boat strikes has led to debate over targeting methods, legal justification, and the risks posed to U.S. personnel. Some lawmakers and military supporters argue the strikes adhere to precedent and the law of armed conflict, while others warn of criminal liability for actions against civilians presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The U.S. has expanded its military presence near Venezuela, deploying ships, aircraft, Marines, and surveillance assets, while increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro. The administration is evaluating further options, including potential troop deployments. President Trump confirmed a recent phone conversation with Maduro but declined to provide details.

Author: Sophia Brooks