The accusations landed like a shockwave at the Reagan National Defense Forum. War Secretary Pete Hegseth found himself facing a direct challenge regarding recent US operations against Venezuelan drug boats, specifically a claim that he’d ordered troops to eliminate all personnel on board.
During a panel discussion, correspondent Lucas Tomlinson posed the pointed question: “Did you at any time say that everybody on board should be killed?” Hegseth’s response was immediate and forceful. He didn’t mince words, turning his attention directly to representatives of The Washington Post, questioning the source of what he deemed “suck” journalism.
Hegseth vehemently denied the allegation, characterizing it as patently absurd. He explained the rigorous process involved in such decisions, emphasizing that orders aren’t given to simply “kill them all.” Instead, a defined protocol involving legal counsel, intelligence analysis, and layered approvals dictates every action, culminating in a “cleared hot” or “not cleared” determination.
The Secretary detailed the meticulous planning behind the strikes, highlighting the stringent criteria used to verify intelligence on the targeted vessels. He even hinted at a potential release of the full video footage from the initial September 2nd strike, a move prompted by what he described as outrage and false claims of illegality.
The controversy stems from a Washington Post report alleging Hegseth authorized a double strike against a vessel, even as individuals clung to wreckage. Representative Seth Moulton publicly labeled the operations “blatantly illegal,” suggesting potential prosecution for those involved, either as war crimes or murder.
The report claimed a verbal order was given “to kill everybody” during the September 2nd operation, which resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals identified as narcoterrorists. This narrative directly clashes with Hegseth’s account of a carefully considered, legally vetted process.
President Trump previously released footage of the strike, issuing a stark warning to anyone considering trafficking drugs into the United States. The administration’s stance is clear: a forceful response to the flow of narcotics is a national security priority.
Adding to the tension, Democratic lawmakers have reportedly urged US service members to defy orders they deem unlawful. This call for insubordination has ignited a firestorm of debate, drawing criticism from across the political spectrum, including veterans and legal experts.
Hegseth responded to the escalating criticism, dismissing the reports as “fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory.” He firmly maintained the legality of the operations, asserting full compliance with both US and international law, and the approval of top military and civilian legal authorities.
Despite the intense scrutiny, the US has continued its operations in the Caribbean, executing a 22nd strike recently and neutralizing nearly 100 individuals identified as foreign terrorist narcotic traffickers. The administration remains resolute in its commitment to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into the country.
