A Pentagon watchdog found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth risked U.S. personnel and mission security by sharing sensitive information about a military strike against Yemen’s Houthi militants via the Signal app. The report concluded that Hegseth violated Pentagon policy by using a personal device for official business, recommending improved training for officials. The investigation was initiated after a journalist was inadvertently added to a Signal chat revealing details, including strike timings. Although Hegseth maintains the information was unclassified, lawmakers raised concerns, with some suggesting that such actions would warrant dismissal for lower-ranking military personnel.
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Republicans have largely remained silent regarding Hegseth’s actions, which have resulted in numerous casualties. However, GOP-led committees in both the House and Senate are now focusing their attention on the Pentagon, requesting a thorough investigation into the September boat strikes. Chairmen of the Armed Services committees are demanding access to audio and video recordings of the incident, with the intention of uncovering the facts. Senator Tillis is specifically seeking clarity on whether Hegseth ordered a subsequent strike, which resulted in the death of survivors.
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The Pentagon has recently undergone a shift in its press corps, with several right-wing outlets and influencers, including Laura Loomer, gaining credentials. These new arrivals, however, immediately faced criticism after mistakenly claiming to occupy the desk of a Washington Post reporter, leading to mockery and corrections from the ousted press corps. The transition has raised concerns about the objectivity of reporting, especially with the Trump administration’s defense strategies and its military buildup in the Caribbean, coming under scrutiny. The shakeup comes amidst increasing questions regarding the legality of military actions.
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This week, several major news outlets have been denied access to Pentagon briefings, which are instead being held for media organizations approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move comes as investigations are underway regarding U.S. military strikes. These new briefings are part of a special orientation event for a new Pentagon press corps primarily comprised of conservative outlets that agreed to new operational rules. Many mainstream outlets left the Pentagon in the fall after refusing to agree to the new rules.
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Far-right activist Laura Loomer has been granted a credential and a desk at the Pentagon, causing a stir of mixed reactions. Loomer celebrated her access to the Department of Defense headquarters, previously occupied by Washington Post reporters. Reactions ranged from sarcastic well-wishes to criticisms, with some journalists expressing concern over the implications of this change. The event triggered commentary across social media regarding the state of journalism and national security.
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A prominent conservative voice, Andrew C. McCarthy, has condemned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s actions in a Caribbean drug boat strike as potentially a war crime. McCarthy argues that the order to kill survivors of the initial strike, even if the administration claims armed conflict, violates the laws of war. Furthermore, McCarthy highlights that Hegseth’s defense on social media failed to address the report’s specific assertions. Senators have pledged oversight into the incident, while legal experts like Todd Huntley have labeled the attack as murder.
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Reports indicate that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may face a war crimes prosecution for allegedly ordering a second strike on a boat in the Caribbean to kill survivors of a U.S. missile attack. According to sources, Hegseth issued an order to kill everyone on board the boat, which was suspected of carrying drug smugglers. Following the initial strike, a second missile attack was reportedly ordered to eliminate any survivors, a decision that could constitute a war crime. While the Pentagon denies the allegations, the incident is under scrutiny as it potentially violates the laws of armed conflict by killing individuals unable to fight.
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In a recent interview with NPR, Senator Mark Kelly criticized the Pentagon’s investigation into his involvement in a video reminding active-duty troops about the illegality of following unlawful orders. The former Navy fighter pilot is facing potential court-martial for appearing in the video, which was released amid legal concerns regarding the deployment of National Guard troops. Kelly also responded to the White House’s initial condemnation of the video, where the President stated this action was “seditious behavior, punishable by death.”
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A video featuring ten veterans from various branches of the military has been released in support of Senator Mark Kelly and other congressional colleagues. The video comes in response to the Pentagon’s review of Kelly following his urging of active-duty members to refuse illegal orders. The veterans, representing multiple national organizations, express concern over what they view as politically motivated actions against Kelly. Furthermore, the video highlights a perceived threat to the duty of military members who could be ordered to do things which undermine the very citizens they are supposed to protect.
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Senator Mark Kelly responded to accusations from the Pentagon regarding a video advising military personnel to refuse illegal orders, asserting his statement was “non-controversial.” The Pentagon launched an investigation and hinted at recalling Kelly to active duty, citing a federal law that prohibits interference with the armed forces. Trump reacted strongly, accusing the senators of “seditious behavior,” which could carry a death penalty for active military. The controversy highlights the use of “sedition” and comes amid allegations from Democrats of the Pentagon issuing illegal orders, including sending personnel to the US-Mexico border and strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats.
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John Q. Hosedrinker