Congress is wielding the Pentagon’s travel budget as a bargaining chip to compel Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide unedited video footage from a controversial strike on narco-terrorist boats. The incident, which took place on September 2, has drawn scrutiny following a report from The Washington Post that claimed Hegseth ordered all individuals aboard the vessels to be eliminated, despite indications that some had survived the initial attack.
During a closed-door briefing, Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley reportedly clarified to Congress that he, not Hegseth, had authorized the second strike, asserting its justification. Language embedded in the Department of War’s budget bill threatens to withhold a significant portion of the Pentagon’s travel budget unless Hegseth complies with lawmakers’ demands for the unedited videos. According to Politico, the bill is expected to receive approval, contingent on Hegseth’s action.
The lawmakers’ insistence follows previous showings of the unedited footage to Congressional leaders, where reactions varied significantly. While many Republicans felt the material supported the Pentagon’s narrative, Democrats maintained it contradicted their claims. The budget provisions also stipulate that any overdue reports, including insights from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, must be submitted before the travel funds are released.
While former President Trump has expressed no qualms about the video’s release, Hegseth appears more hesitant. “We’re reviewing the process, and we’ll see,” he stated regarding the potential release of the footage, citing a desire to safeguard the “sources and methods” involved due to the ongoing operations in the region. He emphasized that the Post’s allegations are “patently ridiculous,” interpreting them as an attempt to caricature his decisions and command style.
The divide is evident among lawmakers. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, contended that the footage did not reveal any wrongdoing. He noted witnessing two survivors attempting to right a drug-laden boat to continue their illicit activities. Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri echoed this sentiment, accusing Democrats of politicizing the situation to undermine Hegseth.
Meanwhile, Democrats have persistently pressed for the release of the unedited video. A letter signed by 19 members of the House Armed Services Committee clearly called for access to all audio and video from the strikes—emphasizing their concerns regarding Hegseth’s supposed directive to “kill everybody” and subsequent strikes targeting unarmed survivors.
This unfolding drama highlights the tensions between military accountability and political maneuvering. As Congress seeks transparency, the situation raises significant questions about decision-making in military operations and the implications for national security.
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