The weight of a decision, the fate of a mission, rested squarely on the shoulders of Pete Hegseth. As Secretary of War, he personally authorized the first strike of the Trump administration against a suspected drug-smuggling vessel lurking off the Venezuelan coast on September 2nd. He didn’t delegate; he witnessed it unfold, live, from within the Pentagon’s walls.
Hegseth framed President Trump as a modern-day Reagan, a leader who understood the power of strength in securing peace. He argued that years of bipartisan policy had led to a cycle of endless conflict, a path Trump was determined to break. This first strike wasn’t an isolated event, but the opening salvo in a campaign targeting over twenty cartel-linked networks throughout the Caribbean.
The operation wasn’t born of impulse. Hegseth revealed a meticulous intelligence-gathering process, spanning weeks, almost a month. Existing military assets, long focused on distant theaters, had to be rapidly reoriented. The strategic implications demanded he retain sole authority for the initial strike, a decision backed by exhaustive briefings from military personnel, legal experts, and intelligence analysts.
The target was officially designated a terrorist organization by the President. Hegseth’s role wasn’t to direct tactics, but to authorize execution. He watched the mission feed for five crucial minutes, observing the initial phase before shifting focus to other urgent matters. The initial strike, however, wasn’t the end.
Hours later, commanders informed Hegseth a second strike was necessary. Remaining individuals on the vessel still posed a threat, potentially with access to communication and a means of escape. He fully endorsed the follow-up action, emphasizing its alignment with established combat protocols and the authority of Admiral Bradley. He subsequently relinquished direct approval authority for future missions.
Questions about the fate of survivors were addressed with a later incident involving a semi-submersible. After the initial strike failed to sink the vessel, individuals abandoned ship. U.S. forces recovered them, returning them to their countries of origin. Hegseth insisted this didn’t alter protocol, but reflected the unique circumstances of that particular encounter.
Hegseth believes these operations are already having a significant impact, disrupting criminal networks and enhancing American security. He stated bluntly that sending these organizations “to the bottom of the Caribbean” directly translates to a safer nation. The deterrent effect, he argued, is undeniable.
Regarding the potential release of unredacted video footage of the first strike, Hegseth indicated a review was underway, balancing transparency with the need to protect sensitive sources, methods, and ongoing operations. The decision remains under consideration.
Looking ahead, Hegseth expressed concern over defense spending, a topic recently discussed in Oval Office meetings. He anticipates an increase in defense spending as a percentage of GDP, emphasizing the urgent need to revitalize the nation’s defense industrial base and restore critical capabilities.
He dismissed criticism regarding his past use of Signal during operations in Yemen, asserting he has no regrets and remains steadfast in his commitment to the troops. He highlighted a resurgence in military morale and a historic increase in enlistment and re-enlistment rates under President Trump.
The future of warfare, according to Hegseth, demands a blend of human skill and technological advancement. He envisions a battlefield where artificial intelligence dramatically enhances situational awareness, working in tandem with, not replacing, the dedication and judgment of American service members.
He voiced strong support for the Navy and praised the Marine Corps for maintaining its strength amidst recent political challenges, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the men and women who defend the nation.
