Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth adopted a defiant tone Tuesday, declaring the U.S. has “only just begun” sinking alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Speaking alongside President Trump at a Cabinet meeting, Hegseth said the military is targeting “narco-terrorists” who he claims are poisoning Americans.
NEW: President Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth claim the amount of drugs coming into the United States by sea is down 91%:
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 2, 2025
HEGSETH: "We've had a bit of a pause because it's hard to find boats to strike right now — which is the entire point." pic.twitter.com/YXdF2Y5mKs
The remarks come amid intense scrutiny over a Washington Post report alleging Hegseth issued a verbal order in September to kill all survivors after an initial strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat.
The follow-on strike reportedly killed the remaining survivors, raising questions about possible violations of the laws of war. Hegseth denies the allegation, while the White House insists the strikes were lawful and authorized.
More than 80 people have been killed in the operations. Lawmakers from both parties have pledged aggressive oversight, noting that the Pentagon’s own Law of War Manual prohibits targeting shipwrecked or incapacitated individuals. Still, Hegseth publicly backed the Navy admiral who carried out the strikes, calling him a “true professional.”
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TIPP Staff
