Pentagon officials are reportedly concerned that the Trump administration is throwing an admiral under the bus as scrutiny over a second attack to finish off survivors of an alleged drug boat in September mounts.
The Defense Secretary identified Admiral Mitch Bradley by name, saying it was him who ordered that survivors of a first strike against an alleged drug vessel be finished off.
"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 Department of War says we have the back of our warriors — we mean it," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a social media post.
Let’s make one thing crystal clear:
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 1, 2025
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…
The Washington Post, which first reported on the second strike, noted that Adm. Bradley ordered a second strike to finish off survivors to comply with Hegseth's orders that no one be left alive.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged on Monday that there was a second strike, saying Hegseth had authorized Bradley to conduct them. She said Bradley "worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed."
The statement, the outlet added, left Defense Department officials angry at the possibility that Hegseth won't take responsibility for any legal consequence that could stem from the attack. "This is 'protect Pete' bullsh-t," one official told the outlet. Some civilian staff are considering leaving the administration, it added.
Several lawmakers have come out to criticize Hegseth, and Republican-led Committees in the House and the Senate announced they will conduct respective investigations regarding the incident.
Republican Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued a statement along with Democratic counterpart Jack Reed vowing to investigate the reported order.
They claimed to be "aware of recent news report — and the Department of Defense's initial response — regarding alleged follow-on strikes on suspected narcotics vessels," and said they will be conducting "vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances."
Likewise, the leaders of the House Armed Services Committee, including GOP Rep. Mike Rogers, said they are "taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question."
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