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Rand Paul Slams Defense Secretary Over Controversial Strikes

12/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for defending a second military strike on survivors of a drug boat attack.
Paul accused Hegseth of lying about knowledge of the strike.
The operation involved two strikes after the initial attack left survivors clinging to wreckage.
Hegseth said he did not stay for the first-strike aftermath and defended Admiral Frank Bradley's decision to strike again.

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Story summary

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for defending a second military strike on survivors of a drug boat attack.
Paul accused Hegseth of lying about knowledge of the strike.
The operation involved two strikes after the initial attack left survivors clinging to wreckage.
Hegseth said he did not stay for the first-strike aftermath and defended Admiral Frank Bradley's decision to strike again.