Moulton: Trump administration 'clearly scapegoating the admiral'

Representative Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) stated on Monday that it is "very evident" the Trump administration is putting Navy Admiral Frank Bradley in a difficult position in connection with a recent controversy over strikes on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean.

"It is completely obvious that the admiral is being left to take the blame. That is precisely what is happening," Moulton told CNN host Anderson Cooper. The Marine Corps veteran added, "This administration has consistently shown a lack of respect for our military personnel, and their current actions only confirm that."

On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the early September operations targeting the alleged drug trafficking ship. Leavitt also noted that Admiral Bradley ordered a subsequent strike that resulted in the deaths of individuals surviving the initial explosion. Reports indicate two people clinging to the wreckage were killed in this follow-up strike.

The second strike has sparked debate involving the White House, the Pentagon, and Secretary Hegseth, with lawmakers questioning whether it may constitute a war crime.

"President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that groups designated as narcoterrorists by the presidency are legitimate targets under the laws of war," Leavitt stated. She added, "Regarding the September 2 strikes, Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to carry out these military actions."

Secretary Hegseth expressed his support for Admiral Bradley on X, affirming, "Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a consummate professional, and has my full support. I stand by him and the operational decisions he has madeboth on the September 2 mission and all subsequent missions."

When asked for comment on Tuesday, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Hill, "As the Press Secretary indicated, Admiral Bradley lawfully directed the September strike, which was executed in self-defense to safeguard Americans and critical U.S. interests."

Author: Ethan Caldwell