URGENT UPDATE: Damaging videos of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have resurfaced, severely undermining his denials regarding an allegedly illegal military strike order. The controversy revolves around a September 2 missile attack on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean, which left two survivors clinging to wreckage. Reports indicate that Hegseth issued a “spoken directive” to eliminate everyone aboard, leading Admiral Frank Bradley to authorize a follow-up strike.
In a shocking interview shortly after the incident, Hegseth claimed to have viewed the entire operation via drone footage. He stated, “I can tell you that was definitely not artificial intelligence. I watched it live. We knew exactly who was in that boat, we knew exactly what they were doing and we knew exactly who they represented, and that was Tren de Aragua, a narco trafficking organization designated by the United States.”
Despite Hegseth’s claims last week that the Washington Post report on his directive was “fake news” and “fabricated,” the White House confirmed on Monday that Hegseth had authorized the admiral to conduct the strikes, emphasizing that Bradley operated within his legal authority.
These newly surfaced comments raise serious questions about Hegseth’s involvement in military decisions, especially following his remarks at a military gathering in late September where he criticized existing rules of engagement. “We’re training warriors, not defenders. We fight wars to win, not to defend,” he told military leaders. He further insisted on lifting restrictions on military operations, advocating for “maximum lethality and authority for warfighters.”
The Trump administration has executed over 20 strikes on suspected drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, leading to the deaths of at least 83 people. These military actions have sparked debate over potential violations of international and domestic law, with Hegseth’s directive being scrutinized as a possible war crime.
The fallout from these developments has been swift. News analyst Brian Allen criticized the White House for its earlier claims that Hegseth had no knowledge of the strikes, stating, “That’s not mixed messaging, that’s a full-blown cover-up caught in 4K.” Democratic influencer Harry Sisson echoed these sentiments, pointing out the contradictions in the administration’s narrative.
As this story unfolds, the implications of Hegseth’s statements and the administration’s military tactics remain under intense scrutiny. Observers are closely monitoring how these revelations will impact public perception and the administration’s credibility.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
