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Pentagon's Controversial Second Strike Backed by Hegseth

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said he did not order a second strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, but he supports it.
Hegseth said at the Reagan National Defense Forum that he would have made the same decision.
The Pentagon confirmed Admiral Frank Bradley ordered the second strike, drawing controversy.
Republicans, including Senator Tom Cotton, defended the Pentagon's assessment that survivors posed a threat.

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Story summary

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said he did not order a second strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, but he supports it.
Hegseth said at the Reagan National Defense Forum that he would have made the same decision.
The Pentagon confirmed Admiral Frank Bradley ordered the second strike, drawing controversy.
Republicans, including Senator Tom Cotton, defended the Pentagon's assessment that survivors posed a threat.