Hegseth pushes out US Navy admiral with legal concerns over Trump's drug boat strikes: report

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested that Admiral Alvin Holsey resign after Holsey raised questions regarding the legal basis of lethal attacks on suspected drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean. Holseys resignation, announced on October 16, came just one year into his leadership of U.S. Southern Command, which manages military activities in the region.

According to the Wall Street Journal, citing Pentagon sources, tensions between Hegseth and Holsey had been building for months and escalated during the summer when the Trump administration initiated airstrikes on the suspected drug boats. Hegseth reportedly confronted Holsey, stating, Youre either on the team or youre not. When you get an order, you move out fast and dont ask questions.

Experts and lawmakers described asking a four-star admiral to step down amid an ongoing operation as highly unusual. Holsey had expressed concerns about the legality of certain parts of the mission and noted that some elements were outside his direct control, as other units operated under different command structures.

Reports indicate Hegseth grew frustrated with what he perceived as Holseys slow response to addressing drug traffickers in the Caribbean. Tensions reached a climax in early October during a confrontation at the Pentagon. Holsey has not detailed the reasons for his resignation publicly but confirmed he will retire on December 12.

Former Assistant Secretary Todd Robinson called the timing of Holseys departure shocking, highlighting that it coincides with what the Pentagon considers a critical phase of operations in the hemisphere. Congressman Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, echoed this sentiment, noting that such an early exit of a combatant commander amid active operations is unprecedented in his experience.

Hegseth has faced criticism over the strikes, which have reportedly killed over 80 individuals, and allegations that he issued aggressive directives during the first Venezuelan boat attack. Bipartisan congressional groups are investigating both the follow-up strike and the broader Caribbean operation. Hegseth has denied wrongdoing, calling the accusations fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory, and is also addressing concerns about sharing sensitive operational information on a private messaging platform.

Author: Caleb Jennings