Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under scrutiny for his handling of a controversial military strike that resulted in the deaths of nine people. Reports indicate that Hegseth has attempted to distance himself from the fallout by placing the responsibility for a second strike on Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley, the mission’s commander. The incident, which occurred on September 2, has raised significant ethical questions regarding military conduct.
In a post on X, Hegseth expressed his support for Admiral Bradley, stating, “Let’s make one thing crystal clear: Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100% support.” Despite his words of endorsement, Hegseth emphasized that the decisions made during the mission were solely Bradley’s. This statement has led to criticism that he is attempting to deflect accountability from himself.
The Washington Post reported that survivors of the initial boat bombing were subsequently targeted again following an order for a second strike. Allegations have surfaced that Hegseth authorized a directive to “kill everybody,” a move that some legal experts suggest could constitute a war crime. Neither Hegseth nor the White House has denied the existence of this order, raising further questions about the administration’s transparency.
Critics have noted the peculiar nature of Hegseth’s message. Many perceive it as more of an attempt to save face than genuine support for Bradley. One social media user remarked, “Let’s be absolutely clear: I stand behind Admiral Bradley, who made this decision and not me,” mocking Hegseth’s apparent effort to redirect blame. Another user criticized Hegseth’s approach, describing it as “cowardly, scummy, insecure, smarmy, selfish,” and reminiscent of action movie rhetoric.
As the situation unfolds, Republican House and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairs Mike Rogers and Roger Wicker, alongside congressional Democrats, are working to bring Admiral Bradley in for a classified briefing. This meeting aims to provide him with an opportunity to present his side of the story regarding the events of September 2 and the subsequent orders.
The fallout from this incident highlights ongoing tensions within the U.S. military and government leadership, particularly concerning accountability in military operations. As investigations continue, the implications for Hegseth, Bradley, and the administration remain to be seen.
