Pressed about a Washington Post report claiming that Hegseth verbally ordered troops to eliminate all remaining passengers, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Adm. Mitch Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, authorized the follow-on strike. Leavitt stated Monday that Bradley acted “well within his authority and the law,” contending the mission ensured the vessel’s destruction and eliminated a threat to the United States.
Kelly countered that lawmakers have not seen sufficient legal justification. He urged release of the legal rationale presented in recent classified briefings, arguing that military personnel must understand their obligations under international norms such as the Geneva Conventions. Having commanded naval missions that sank two ships during his own service, he said he is concerned that if survivors were targeted while clinging to wreckage, the action could cross a legal line.
The senator’s dispute with the administration intensified after the release of the Democratic video advising troops that they can refuse unlawful directives. Trump responded on social media by labeling the participants “traitors” and suggesting the conduct was punishable by death. Kelly said those statements were designed to intimidate public servants and deter dissent, adding that the president should lower political tensions instead of inflaming them.
Asked whether the video was motivated specifically by the Caribbean incident, Kelly answered that it was not tied to that particular operation. Nonetheless, he repeated that the episode underscores the need for transparent oversight. “If anyone must answer questions in public and under oath, it is Pete Hegseth,” he said.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is reportedly arranging interviews with six members of Congress who appeared in the video, and Kelly indicated he would comply with any lawful request. “I will follow the law,” he stated.
Imagem: Internet
Political friction over military orders has escalated against a backdrop of recent violence, including the 2011 shooting that wounded Kelly’s wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, and threats directed at Trump. The senator argued that presidential rhetoric carries “tremendous weight” and warned that aggressive language could endanger critics.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon review of Kelly has not been detailed publicly. The department has not specified the nature of the alleged misconduct or provided a timetable for its findings. Congressional Democrats contend the inquiry is retaliatory, while Republican allies of the administration say it is warranted given the video’s message to active-duty personnel.
The boat strikes have also drawn attention to broader U.S. counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean. Last week, the White House said Venezuelan airspace should be “closed” to narcotics trafficking, and Navy assets have increased patrols in regional waters. The administration maintains that force is necessary to disrupt drug networks, though lawmakers across party lines are now questioning the rules of engagement applied in September.
As debate continues, Kelly emphasized that the Senate Armed Services Committee holds constitutional responsibility for oversight of the armed forces. He said hearings should begin promptly and that senior officials, including Hegseth and Bradley, must provide a full account of the Caribbean operation, the legal authorities invoked, and the decision process behind the second strike.
No dates have been announced for potential hearings. The committee is expected to review classified materials in the coming weeks before determining whether public testimony will be scheduled. Until then, Kelly said he will continue pressing for transparency and accountability, reiterating that he “will not be intimidated” by efforts to silence him.
Crédito da imagem: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
