Hegseth’s Boat Order Ignites Congress To Open An Urgent Investigation

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing a level of scrutiny that could derail his career, as pressure mounts over a series of controversial military boat strikes. The controversy, centered on a deadly Sept. 2 incident off the coast of Venezuela, has ignited a firestorm of questions about military conduct, the rule of law, and Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon.

The pressure for an answer will not just be on Hegseth. Adm. Frank M. “Mitch” Bradley is scheduled to provide private testimony to lawmakers about his role in ordering the second strike.

The incident has become a flashpoint, drawing sharp criticism and demands for transparency. According to a report from The Washington Post, a U.S. missile strike on an alleged drug boat killed 11 people. The report detailed a particularly harrowing aspect of the operation: a follow-up attack that killed two survivors as they clung to the wreckage. This detail has sparked outrage and raised profound legal and ethical questions.

A Timeline of Growing Pressure

• Sept. 2: A U.S. military strike targets an alleged drug boat off Venezuela, resulting in 11 deaths, including two survivors killed in a follow-up attack.
• Late November: The Washington Post reports on the Sept. 2 strike, detailing the attack on survivors and a spoken directive from Hegseth to “kill everybody.” Hegseth denies the report.
• Dec. 1: Legal experts publicly state that killing survivors would be unlawful under any circumstance, potentially constituting a war crime or murder.
• Dec. 3: The Associated Press reports that congressional leaders in both the House and Senate have opened investigations into the boat strikes. Hegseth faces mounting calls for his resignation from Democratic senators.
• This Week: Adm. Frank M. “Mitch” Bradley will provide private testimony to lawmakers about his role.

Hegseth Under Fire From Congress

The fallout has put Hegseth directly in the crosshairs of congressional oversight. Leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services committees have launched investigations, signaling a rare moment of bipartisan concern over the administration’s military actions. “These are serious charges, and that’s the reason we’re going to have special oversight,” said Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate’s committee.  

Hegseth’s response has only fueled the controversy. His initial reaction included a social media post of a cartoon character, which many lawmakers felt trivialized the gravity of the situation.