Hegseth suggests significant boost in defense spending, shares new information on Trump's efforts against narcoterrorism

War Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed on Saturday how he personally authorized the Trump administrations initial strike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel near Venezuela on September 2. Speaking to Fox News Lucas Tomlinson, Hegseth explained that he monitored the operation live from the Pentagon after giving approval.

During his keynote, Hegseth praised President Donald Trump as the modern embodiment of Ronald Reagans peace through strength principle, criticizing previous leaders for engaging in prolonged foreign conflicts. In a subsequent Q&A, he revealed the September 2 action was the first in a series of over 20 targeted U.S. strikes against cartel-linked narco-terror networks throughout the Caribbean.

He firmly denied claims that he ordered U.S. forces to eliminate all personnel on the vessel. Absolutely not you dont just say, Kill them, Hegseth stated, describing such reports as ridiculous.

Hegseth noted that preparing for the first strike required nearly a month of intelligence gathering, involving reallocation of military resources previously stationed across the globe. He maintained strike authority at his level solely for this initial operation, citing its strategic importance. The briefing I received covered military, civilian, legal, and intelligence aspects thoroughly, he explained, emphasizing the detailed preparation needed to target a designated terrorist organization.

Hegseth confirmed the vessel belonged to a group formally classified as a terrorist organization by the Trump administration. He authorized the strike and observed the feed for a brief period before leaving tactical control to field commanders. A follow-up strike was later conducted when remaining threats were identified, which he fully supported, noting such re-attacks are standard in combat operations.

Addressing survivor handling, Hegseth recounted a separate incident with a semi-submersible vessel where some individuals survived initial strikes and were returned to their home countries after a second strike sank the vessel, underscoring that protocol remained consistent.

Hegseth argued these operations have already served as a deterrent. Were neutralizing threats in the Caribbean making Americans safer, he said. Regarding the release of unredacted strike footage, he noted concerns over protecting intelligence sources and ongoing missions.

Defense spending emerged as a key concern for Hegseth, who mentioned recent discussions at the Oval Office about FY26 and FY27 budgets. When asked if defense spending as a percentage of GDP would rise, he replied affirmatively, emphasizing the need for a revitalized defense industrial base and advanced capabilities.

On the topic of operational decisions and troop morale, Hegseth expressed no regrets over past choices, asserting that military morale has significantly improved under Trump. He highlighted the importance of AI and autonomous tools in modern warfare, stating both are essential to accelerate sensing and operational efficiency.

Concluding with a lighter note, Hegseth revealed his support for Navy in the traditional ArmyNavy matchup, while commending the Marine Corps for resilience during political challenges.

Author: Caleb Jennings