"Bipartisan criticism of Hegseth escalates due to perceived dishonesty or incompetence"

Recent investigations into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths involvement in a September naval strike against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean have sparked concern from both sides of Congress. Lawmakers are seeking clarity on his approval of a follow-up strike that resulted in the deaths of two survivors.

Members of both parties expressed that, if confirmed, the authorization of such an attack would raise profound legal issues. Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., told CBS that targeting shipwreck survivors constitutes a clear violation of the Department of Defenses own laws of war, as well as international legal standards. He added, If true, this reaches the level of a war crime.

Senator Ed Markey, D-Mass., condemned Hegseth on social media, stating he is a war criminal and should be immediately removed from office.

The bipartisan leadership of the Armed Services Committees in the Senate and House pledged thorough investigation, with Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jack Reed, D-R.I., promising rigorous oversight to establish the facts surrounding these events.

Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., was sharply critical. Secretary Hegseth initially claimed ignorance and denied the incident, calling it fake news. The next day, statements from the White House confirmed it occurred. Either he was dishonest or completely unaware, Paul told reporters.

The Washington Post reported last week that Hegseth had instructed the mission commander to eliminate everyone on board the vessel, a part of the administrations intensified maritime counter-narcotics operations. An anonymous source said, The order was to kill everybody.

Hegseth has denied the reports accuracy, describing it as fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory. During a recent Cabinet meeting, he stated that he did not observe any survivors and attributed any miscommunication to the fog of war.

The Pentagon and White House pointed to Admiral Frank Bradley, the mission commander, as the official who authorized the second strike. They defended his actions, asserting that the operation complied with U.S. and international law. Some members of Congress criticized the administration for attempting to shift accountability to the military.

How about that for leadership? remarked Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. Throwing subordinates under the bus. Senator Rand Paul added, It appears they are trying to place the blame on others instead of taking responsibility.

Author: Aiden Foster