Army Secretary Discusses Venezuela Strike

On Saturday, Army Secretary Pete Hegseth shared insights regarding the initial attack authorized by the Trump administration against a suspected drug-smuggling boat near Venezuela. Speaking to Fox News, he mentioned that he was able to watch the attack unfold live from the Pentagon after giving the order.

During his keynote address, Hegseth positioned President Trump as a rightful successor to Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” strategy, criticizing previous bipartisan leadership for leading the country towards perpetual conflicts.

Following his speech, Hegseth addressed questions with Lucas Tomlinson, revealing that this operation marked the beginning of over 20 targeted U.S. strikes aimed at narco-terrorism networks associated with cartels in the Caribbean. He strongly denied claims that he had ordered troops to kill everyone aboard the vessel.

Tensions are escalating between Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and experts caution that their future actions might lead to a significant confrontation.

When questioned about any prior orders to kill, Hegseth responded, “Did someone come from the Washington Post? I have no idea where they got that, but it’s awful.” He further emphasized, “Of course not… You don’t just say, ‘Kill them,’ that’s ludicrous.”

Hegseth explained that gathering the necessary intelligence for a preemptive strike took nearly a month. He highlighted the need for the Pentagon to reassess its focus, which had been largely overseas for a long time.

He maintained that he held the authority to approve the initial strikes due to their “strategic implications.”

In his address, he also illustrated the thoroughness of the briefing he received prior to the operation, mentioning military personnel, legal advisors, and intelligence teams involved in the planning process.

Hegseth indicated that the targets were part of an organization officially classified as a terrorist group by President Trump. “My role was to make the call to proceed,” he noted.

Post-attack, he monitored the operation for about five minutes before moving on to other tasks. Later, he was informed that a second strike was necessary to address ongoing threats from individuals possibly still engaged in hostilities.

He fully supported the decision for a second attack, stating, “I would have done the same thing.” Such repeat attacks are common in combat, he noted, and were executed under the authority of Admiral Bradley, who currently oversees attack decisions.

Hegseth discussed protocols regarding survivors, referring to past incidents involving semi-submersible vessels. In one instance, those on the attacked ship managed to escape and swim to safety before U.S. forces recovered them and returned them to their home countries.

Hegseth asserted that these operations serve as a deterrent, claiming, “We’re putting them on the ocean floor… it makes the American people safer.”

Tomlinson queried Hegseth about President Trump’s willingness to release unedited footage of the first operation. Hegseth stated that the investigation is ongoing and involves considerations of sources and methods.

On defense spending, he acknowledged it as an issue likely to persist and mentioned he has participated in discussions regarding upcoming fiscal budgets. Although he didn’t confirm future increases as a percentage of GDP, he suggested that numbers will likely rise.

He stressed the urgency for a revived defense industrial base, articulating, “We need those capabilities, and we needed them yesterday.”

When asked about regrets regarding previous decisions, Hegseth remarked, “I have no regrets,” reinforcing his confidence in military morale under the current administration.

He mentioned the modern battlefield’s demands for a blend of advanced technologies, noting the importance of AI in enhancing operational capabilities.

In conclusion, Hegseth was asked about his preferences for the upcoming Army-Navy game, humorously declaring his allegiance to the Navy while acknowledging the Marine Corps’ strength amidst the current political climate.