Pete Hegseth Faces Congressional Scrutiny Over Venezuela Strike/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under growing congressional scrutiny over a military strike on a boat off Venezuela’s coast that may have targeted survivors. Lawmakers from both parties are launching investigations, with some calling for Hegseth’s resignation. The incident intensifies criticism of his leadership style and past controversies.
Hegseth Boat Strike Investigation Quick Looks
- Congress probes Pete Hegseth’s role in follow-up military strike
- Attack may have violated laws of war by targeting survivors
- Hegseth defends strike, citing “fog of war” and national security
- Senate and House Armed Services Committees launch investigations
- Some lawmakers demand Hegseth’s resignation over alleged misconduct
- Social media response from Hegseth sparked additional backlash
- Critics question his temperament, judgment, and past conduct
- Trump and allies continue to back Hegseth amid controversy
Deep Look: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Faces Congressional Fallout Over Controversial Boat Strike
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing his most serious political and legal test since taking office, as bipartisan pressure builds in Congress over a controversial U.S. military operation near Venezuela. The operation reportedly involved a second strike on survivors of an initial assault on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel — raising alarms among lawmakers and legal experts about potential violations of international law.
Just three months after barely winning Senate confirmation amid deep skepticism over his qualifications, temperament, and ties to Fox News, Hegseth now stands at the center of a growing storm that could define — or derail — his tenure.
Congress Launches Special Oversight Investigation
The Senate and House Armed Services Committees have initiated investigations into what some are calling an illegal follow-up strike conducted by U.S. special operations forces off Venezuela’s coast. Lawmakers want answers about whether the second strike, reportedly targeting survivors, constitutes a war crime or breach of the laws of armed conflict.
“These are serious charges, and that’s the reason we’re going to have special oversight,” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Hegseth, who previously promised to instill a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon, defended the decision, blaming the chaos of battle. “There were explosions, fire — we didn’t see survivors,” Hegseth said. “This is the fog of war. If you’re not in it, don’t judge it.”
But critics aren’t buying it.
“Secretary Talk Show Host may have been experiencing the ‘fog of war,’ but that doesn’t change the fact that this was an extrajudicial killing,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), calling for Hegseth’s resignation.
A Pattern of Controversy
From the beginning, Hegseth’s nomination stirred concern. His resume — more media commentator than military strategist — led many lawmakers to question his judgment. His confirmation process included scrutiny over previous misconduct, including allegations of excessive drinking, sexual misconduct, and mismanagement of nonprofits. He narrowly secured Senate approval with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance.
Now, the Venezuela boat strike — and Hegseth’s dismissive tone — has reignited those concerns.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), a retired Air Force general, stated bluntly, “I don’t think he was up to the task.”
Hegseth’s efforts to deflect criticism backfired when he posted a meme of Franklin the Turtle shooting from a helicopter — a move lawmakers condemned as tone-deaf and disrespectful. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) blasted the post, calling Hegseth “a national embarrassment.”
Trump Stands By Hegseth, But GOP Uneasy
President Trump has continued to support his embattled defense secretary. However, signs of unease are emerging within Republican ranks. While Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) acknowledged the president’s authority over military actions, he stopped short of defending Hegseth’s role. “Others can make those evaluations,” he said.
Vice President Vance and Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), both close Trump allies, have vigorously defended Hegseth. Schmitt dismissed the criticism as a “coordinated smear campaign” by D.C. elites.
“He’s not part of the Washington establishment, and that scares them,” Schmitt said.
Still, the bipartisan move by Wicker and House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-AL) to open investigations signals Congress is prepared to reassert oversight of military operations and personnel.
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Lawmakers are not only questioning the legality of the strike but also the broader direction Hegseth is steering the Pentagon.
In a fiery speech earlier this year, Hegseth promised to “untie the hands of our warfighters” and do away with “politically correct” rules of engagement. He even proposed rebranding the Department of Defense as the “Department of War.”
“We intimidate, demoralize, hunt and kill the enemies of our country,” Hegseth said in September at a rare global gathering of military commanders in Quantico, Virginia.
Now, many argue that this aggressive posture has led to reckless decision-making.
“Somebody made a horrible decision,” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who barely supported Hegseth’s confirmation. “Somebody needs to be held accountable.”
Upcoming Testimony and Timeline
Vice Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, the commander reportedly responsible for authorizing the second strike, is expected to provide closed-door testimony later this week to top Armed Services lawmakers.
Although Republicans have yet to reach consensus on Hegseth’s fate, Democrats say his credibility is already shattered.
“You don’t suddenly change your character when you become secretary of defense,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), pointing to Hegseth’s controversial past. “The flaws that disqualified him then are proving dangerous now.”
Despite Hegseth’s ongoing attempts to frame the issue as a politically motivated attack, the congressional investigations mark a rare bipartisan moment of oversight over a powerful Cabinet official. Whether this will lead to his resignation or further entrenchment remains to be seen — but the fallout is far from over.
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