Story perspectives

Ben Shapiro: Hegseth Controversy Distracts from Real Issues

12/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro argues Americans are largely indifferent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's boat-strike controversy.
Shapiro says the issue distracts from urgent matters and politicizes it before the midterms.
He cites conflicting Washington Post and New York Times reports on Hegseth's actions, including a second strike on survivors.
Some lawmakers express concern about Hegseth's judgment, questioning reports that he ordered troops to "kill everybody" on the boat.

1 of 1

Story summary

Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro argues Americans are largely indifferent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's boat-strike controversy.
Shapiro says the issue distracts from urgent matters and politicizes it before the midterms.
He cites conflicting Washington Post and New York Times reports on Hegseth's actions, including a second strike on survivors.
Some lawmakers express concern about Hegseth's judgment, questioning reports that he ordered troops to "kill everybody" on the boat.