'Hegseth Dodges Question About Releasing Second-Tap Airstrike Video'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared uncertain when questioned about whether he would fulfill President Donald Trumps promise to make public the footage of the contentious double-tap airstrike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean.

Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum on Saturday, Hegseth was asked during a Q&A session by Fox News Lucas Tomlinson: Following Admiral Frank Mitch Bradleys meetings with the joint chiefs on Capitol Hill, President Trump said he had no objection to releasing the full strike video. When will the public get to see it?

Hegseth replied cautiously: We are reviewing it currently to ensure that sources and methods are protected these are ongoing operations, including tactics, techniques, and procedures. Our operators are active in the field. Any decision we make has to be responsible, and the review is underway.

Tomlinson then referenced a Washington Post report claiming Hegseth had directed, Kill them all, including survivors of the initial strike. Hegseth dismissed the report: Anyone from The Washington Post here? I dont know where your information comes from, but its terrible. Of course thats not true. Anyone familiar with the situation room or the secretarys office knows such statements are absurd. Its meant to create a cartoonish image of me.

Hegseth elaborated, emphasizing the professionalism of U.S. forces: What some perceive as reckless or cowboy-like behavior is actually the opposite. These are highly trained personnel following strict protocols, understanding legal authorities and the laws of war, and applying them to deter threats. The goal is to stop drug trafficking in the Caribbean, protecting Americans. Past leniency programs in Iraq and Afghanistan failed, and the same approach would not work here. Our operations aim to alter how traffickers operate and enhance public safety.

When asked again if the video would be released, Hegseth responded: We are reviewing it now. Pressed for a definitive answer, he added: The priority for me is the ongoing operations in the Caribbean. I care more about safeguarding our personnel and methods than releasing footage at this moment. The review process is in progress, and well see.

Author: Olivia Parker