Pentagon Pete Sacrifices Elite Commander Over Alleged 'Illegal' Order

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the White House have placed accountability for a disputed strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug vessel on Admiral Frank Mitchell Bradley. The second strike in September in the Caribbean has faced criticism, with some labeling it illegal after two survivors were reportedly seen clinging to the boat but later died, according to The Washington Post.

Hegseth, 45, who has faced scrutiny following reports that he authorized an elite force to eliminate all individuals aboard the vessel, indicated that responsibility now rests with Admiral Bradley. On Monday evening, Hegseth stated that Bradley, commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100% support, emphasizing that Bradley made the operational decisions during the attack.

In a post on X, Hegseth wrote, I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made on the September 2 mission and all others since. America is fortunate to have such men protecting us. When this @DeptofWar says we have the back of our warriors we mean it.

Admiral Bradleys military honors include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. A veteran of the Afghanistan War, Bradley held multiple command roles before assuming his current position in early October.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Bradley conducted the September 2 strikes under Hegseths authorization. Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States was eliminated, Leavitt said. She added that the administration has labeled these narco-terrorists as foreign terrorist organizations.

Critics, however, have emerged from both political parties. Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton, a Democrat, described the strike as patently absurd and called the killing of survivors blatantly illegal. He warned that those involved could face prosecution for war crimes or murder.

Conservative commentator and attorney Andrew McCarthy, writing for National Review, stated that if the Posts report is accurate, the actions could qualify as a war crime under federal law. He criticized the attacks on suspected drug vessels as unauthorized and outside the scope of legitimate armed conflict, arguing that the killings lack legal justification.

On Monday night, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy accused Hegseth of evading responsibility. Speaking to CNN, Murphy said, He is shifting the blame. Its the opposite of the buck stops here. And boy, its a chilling signal to everyone in the chain of command that the secretary of defense does not have your back.

Author: Sophia Brooks