What Trump and Hegseth said after the Sept. 2 strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat
ABC News • • general
Key Points:
- On Sept. 2, the U.S. military conducted a strike in the Caribbean Sea that killed 11 alleged drug smugglers on a boat linked to the Tren de Aragua cartel, with President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framing it as a success against narcoterrorism.
- Subsequent reports revealed survivors from the initial strike were killed in a follow-up attack ordered by Adm. Mitch Bradley, following verbal orders from Hegseth to "kill everybody," raising legal and ethical questions.
- Trump claimed ignorance of the second strike details and defended Hegseth, while the White House confirmed multiple strikes occurred; congressional leaders from both parties have launched inquiries into the operation.
- Hegseth emphasized the administration
