Hegseth Says He Didn’t Watch 2nd Boat Strike, Backs Commander

The defense secretary said he left part way through the operation and did not see survivors following the initial strike on Sept. 2.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (2nd R) speaks alongside President Donald Trump (L) and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick (R) during a Cabinet Meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Dec. 2, 2025. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON—Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said he watched the initial strike on a drug boat in early September, but did not see survivors or stick around for a follow-up strike on the damaged vessel.

“I watched that first strike live,” Hegseth told reporters at a Dec. 2 White House Cabinet meeting.