WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump shifted his stance Monday on releasing video footage of a September boat strike that Democratic lawmakers have described as a likely war crime, telling reporters he will leave the decision to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president’s comments marked a reversal from last week, when he said he had “no problem” with making the footage public.
Hegseth signaled a more cautious approach during a weekend appearance at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, saying any release would require careful review. “Whatever we were to decide to release, we would have to be very responsible about,” he said, noting the Pentagon is still assessing the material.
Pressed on the discrepancy by ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott, Trump denied previously endorsing the release, responding, “I didn’t say that… Whatever Hegseth wants to do is OK with me.” He repeated that he would not order the secretary to release the video.
Members of Congress viewed the footage last week. Democrats who saw it said survivors of the initial strike appeared defenseless. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) argued they remained legitimate military targets because they could have retrieved drugs or called for assistance.
Lawmakers are also demanding the full videos from all four strikes and Hegseth’s operational orders. Navy Adm. Frank Bradley denied claims that Hegseth directed forces to “kill everybody,” as previously reported.
A provision added to the National Defense Authorization Act would restrict Hegseth’s travel budget until the administration hands over the footage and documentation.
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