URGENT UPDATE: New videos have surfaced that challenge Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth‘s denials regarding an alleged illegal directive to conduct military strikes. Reports confirm that Hegseth issued a “spoken directive” ordering the elimination of all individuals aboard a suspected drug smuggling vessel during a controversial operation on September 2.
The fallout from these revelations is immediate and significant. The White House acknowledged that Admiral Frank Bradley, who executed the missile strike, acted within his authority, raising serious questions about Hegseth’s involvement in a potential war crime. Eyewitness accounts indicate that after a failed initial strike left two survivors, Hegseth reportedly watched the operation unfold via drone footage.
In a Fox News interview shortly after the incident, Hegseth claimed, “I can tell you that was definitely not artificial intelligence. I watched it live.” He identified the targets as members of Tren de Aragua, a narco-trafficking organization recognized by the United States for its role in flooding the country with drugs.
Despite Hegseth’s attempts to dismiss a Washington Post report describing his actions as “fake news,” the White House’s confirmation of his authorization for the strikes points to a major contradiction in his statements. The resurfacing of these videos adds to a growing narrative of confusion and alleged deceit within the administration.
The implications of Hegseth’s comments are dire. In a late September gathering with military leaders, he expressed a controversial view on military engagement: “We fight wars to win, not to defend. We also don’t fight with stupid rules of engagement.” He further stated, “Maximum lethality and authority for warfighters,” indicating a troubling disregard for established military protocols.
This incident is not isolated. The Trump administration has conducted over 20 strikes on alleged drug smuggling operations in the southern Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 83 deaths. These operations are now under scrutiny for potential violations of both domestic and international law, with Hegseth’s orders raising alarms of possible war crimes.
The resurfacing of Hegseth’s own words has sparked intense backlash. News analyst Brian Allen criticized the White House on social media, stating, “The White House swore Pete Hegseth knew nothing about the Caribbean strikes. Then a video surfaces of him bragging he watched it happen live.”
Democratic influencer Harry Sisson echoed these sentiments, claiming, “After claiming Pete Hegseth didn’t know anything about the strikes in the Caribbean, footage has resurfaced of him in September saying he watched it LIVE. Completely exposed.”
As the situation develops, the public is left questioning the integrity of the administration and the legality of its military actions. The pressure is mounting for accountability as more evidence emerges.
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story as it continues to develop.