Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stunned observers Monday night with his decision to distance himself from a controversial military strike that reportedly killed people who survived the administration’s initial strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.
The strike in question occurred on Sept. 2 and targeted suspected drug boats near Venezuela. Hegseth was reported to have been directly involved in the controversial operation. After the initial strike, survivors were found clinging to wreckage.
A source with direct knowledge claimed Hegseth gave an order to “kill everybody,” which the military carried out. The strike led to significant political fallout, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) notably refusing to directly back Hegseth earlier Monday. Additionally, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) accused Hegseth of being a “known liar” on CNN, and retired Rear Adm. William Baumgartner described it as a “tremendous failure in planning.”
The White House has shifted its narrative, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt eventually confirming that Admiral Frank M. “Mitch” Bradley ordered the second strike, claiming it was “well within his authority.”
And on Monday night, Hegseth himself appeared to point the finger at Bradley.
“Let’s make one thing crystal clear: Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100% support. I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made — on the September 2 mission and all others since. America is fortunate to have such men protecting us. When this @DeptofWar says we have the back of our warriors — we mean it,” he wrote on X.
Observers were taken aback by the Defense secretary’s post, with many social media critics likening it to Hegseth throwing Bradley under the bus.
CNN reporter Haley Britzky flagged Hegseth’s specific phrasing.
“And the combat decisions he has made,” she said.
Sam Stein of The Bulwark wrote on X, “Hegseth putting the decision all on Bradley even as he defends the decision.”
Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic, mocked on X, “Let’s make one thing crystal clear: That guy over there is the guy you want.”
CNN’s Natasha Bertrand noted on X, “Hegseth again distancing himself from responsibility over the Sept 2 strike, emphasizing that it was a combat decision Adm. Bradley made— but that he supports.”
Dan Pfeiffer, Co-host of Pod Save America, wrote on X, “And the blame shifting has begun…”
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) simply wrote on X, “oh boy.”
“Admiral, you’re a stand-up guy. Be a real shame if you spoke up and something happened to your pardon,” mocked social media user Ryan Clarke on X.
Former Republican Travis McColley wrote on X, “Quick reminder to all in the administration. They will have your back until you no longer have value. You will not know when that is approaching, but you will know when it happens.”
