WASHINGTON, D.C. — Trump administration allies are pushing back against reporting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a second strike on survivors of a U.S. attack against a suspected drug-trafficking boat off the coast of Venezuela. The Washington Post first reported that Hegseth instructed forces in September to fire again to kill any survivors, an account later echoed by additional reporting from CNN. Hegseth has rejected the allegations as “fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory.”
Sen. Markwayne Mullin defended the administration on CNN, saying he did not believe the anonymously sourced allegations and noting that U.S. crews have rescued survivors from other maritime operations. He argued that President Donald Trump is “protecting the United States by being proactive,” as the administration increases military pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Lawmakers from both parties are seeking answers. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith issued a joint statement promising bipartisan oversight of U.S. operations in the Caribbean. They cited serious concerns over any authorized “follow-on strikes” on narcotics-related vessels.
A planned congressional briefing on the issue was abruptly canceled, and the admiral commanding U.S. forces in the region stepped down in October. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi declined to discuss whether the administration will release legal opinions justifying the strikes but warned that “Venezuela drug dealers need to tread very, very carefully.”
Sen. Mark Kelly said that ordering a strike on survivors “seems to” be a war crime if verified, adding that the military must adhere to legal and professional standards.
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Sources:
• Axios – MBFC Rating
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