Hegseth, Caine Visit Puerto Rico as US Enhances Military Presence in Caribbean

Puerto Rico governor backs Trump administration’s security strategy amid the United States’ rising tensions with Venezuela.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine, speak during a press conference at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on June 26, 2025. Idrees Ali/Reuters

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine made a surprise visit to Puerto Rico on Sept. 8, as the United States bolsters its military buildup in the Caribbean to counter drug cartels.

The visit came as the Pentagon deployed 10 F-35 stealth fighters to a Puerto Rico airbase and warships to conduct operations against drug cartels in the region.