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Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Military Strike Video Release

Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Military Strike Video Release

President Trump has delegated the decision to release a video of a controversial military strike to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The strike, which occurred off the coast of Venezuela, targeted a boat suspected of drug smuggling. The operation, conducted by elite Special Operations forces, resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, with a secondary strike occurring after two survivors were identified. This incident has raised significant questions among Democrats and legal experts regarding the legality of the actions taken, with some suggesting it may constitute a war crime. Despite President Trump's initial openness to releasing the footage, he has now stated that the decision rests with Hegseth. The Defense Secretary has expressed a desire to protect future operations and has not committed to releasing the video. Lawmakers have demanded the release of all related footage, and there is pressure to withhold part of Hegseth's travel budget if the video remains unreleased.

Congress Considers Defense Bill to Limit Secretary's Travel Budget Over Boat Strike Video

Congress Considers Defense Bill to Limit Secretary's Travel Budget Over Boat Strike Video

Congress is reviewing a new version of the annual defense policy bill that could restrict Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget unless he releases unedited video footage of military strikes on boats in the Caribbean. These strikes, ordered by Navy Adm. Frank M. Bradley, targeted a vessel allegedly carrying narcotics from Venezuela. The second strike, which killed survivors of the initial attack, has raised concerns in Congress about potential war crimes. The bill, which outlines defense priorities but not funding, is part of Congress's oversight efforts on military actions that have divided lawmakers. President Trump has denied previous comments about releasing the video, deferring the decision to Hegseth.

Trump's top national security officials to brief 'Gang of Eight' US lawmakers, sources say

Trump's top national security officials to brief 'Gang of Eight' US lawmakers, sources say

By Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and U.S.

A timeline of the US military's buildup near Venezuela and attacks on alleged drug boats

A timeline of the US military's buildup near Venezuela and attacks on alleged drug boats

The Trump administration has built up a fleet of warships near Venezuela as American forces keep blowing up small boats accused of smuggling narcotics for drug cartels

US lawmakers may withold Hegseth travel funds to force boat video release

US lawmakers may withold Hegseth travel funds to force boat video release

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers may withhold a quarter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget if he does not provide unedited videos of military strikes on boats in the southern Caribbean and eastern Pacific, the latest effort to obtain more information

Poll Reveals Majority of Voters Oppose Second Missile Strike on Venezuelan Vessel

Poll Reveals Majority of Voters Oppose Second Missile Strike on Venezuelan Vessel

A recent Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll surveyed 2,204 registered voters regarding the U.S. military's actions against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. The poll found that 54% of voters believe the second missile strike on a Venezuelan vessel, which resulted in the death of survivors from the first strike, was wrong. The poll also revealed a partisan divide, with 74% of Republicans supporting the action, compared to 24% of Democrats and 36% of independents. Additionally, 62% of voters prefer intercepting suspected drug boats over sinking them. The poll results come amid controversy over the U.S. military's strikes, with reports indicating the targeted vessel was headed to Suriname, not directly to the U.S.

Pentagon's Messaging Security Efforts Under Scrutiny Amid 'Signalgate' Investigation

Pentagon's Messaging Security Efforts Under Scrutiny Amid 'Signalgate' Investigation

The Pentagon is facing scrutiny over its messaging security protocols following the 'Signalgate' affair, which emerged during the Trump administration. The Office of the Chief Information Officer has been tasked with developing secure instant-messaging options for personnel, but details on these efforts remain limited. A recent report by the Pentagon inspector general examined Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal messaging app for discussing sensitive military operations in Yemen. The investigation, which lasted nine months, aimed to determine if Hegseth violated agency standards. Meanwhile, a Navy admiral testified before Congress regarding a controversial military strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, clarifying that there was no 'kill them all' order from Hegseth, despite alarming video footage of the attack.

Trump says survivors of scrutinized US strike were trying to right boat before 2nd missile was fired

Trump says survivors of scrutinized US strike were trying to right boat before 2nd missile was fired

President Donald Trump is justifying the U.S. military's decision to fire a second missile in a heavily scrutinized U.S. attack on a boat in the Caribbean Sea

Proposed Defense Bill Allocates $900.6 Billion for Military Spending in 2026

Proposed Defense Bill Allocates $900.6 Billion for Military Spending in 2026

The proposed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 outlines $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending, marking an $8 billion increase from the Pentagon's previous budget request. The bill supports key defense priorities, including the Golden Dome missile defense program and next-generation fighter jets. It also allocates significant funds for shipbuilding, munitions replenishment, and aircraft modernization. The NDAA does not include a proposed name change for the Department of Defense to the War Department, a preference of President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

What to know as lawmakers disclose vivid new details of US boat strikes

What to know as lawmakers disclose vivid new details of US boat strikes

Members of Congress now know that the U.S. military fired upon two people clinging to the wreckage of a boat allegedly carrying drugs — and they want answers

Pentagon Required to Justify Future JAG Firings Under New NDAA Provision

Pentagon Required to Justify Future JAG Firings Under New NDAA Provision

A new provision in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandates that the Secretary of Defense must provide Congress with notice and justification for the removal of top Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This legislative change follows the controversial dismissal of top JAGs by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in February 2025, which he justified by labeling them as 'roadblocks to orders given by a commander in chief.' The provision, introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren, aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the removal process of these key legal advisors. The NDAA provision requires that the Secretary of Defense submit a notice and reason for the removal to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within five days of the dismissal. This move is seen as a response to growing concerns within the national-security legal community about the potential disregard for military legal guidance.

Defense Department Considers Public Release of Controversial Boat Strike Video

Defense Department Considers Public Release of Controversial Boat Strike Video

The Defense Department is reviewing the video of a controversial September 2nd military strike on a drug boat off the coast of Venezuela for potential public release. The strike, which involved a second attack on survivors of an initial strike, has drawn criticism and calls for transparency. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that national security officials must assess whether releasing the video could compromise ongoing operations. The Trump administration's campaign of boat strikes in the Caribbean has faced scrutiny for being conducted without Congressional approval.