Trump administration is ‘selling out’ admiral to shield Hegseth over boat strikes, officials say
In a recent development that has stirred controversy in U.S. politics, the White House has publicly named Admiral Frank M. Bradley as the officer who “directed the engagement” in a military operation involving a drug boat, effectively distancing Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth from accountability. This revelation comes amidst growing scrutiny over the Trump administration’s handling of military operations and the ethical implications of a “second strike” strategy, which reportedly aimed to eliminate survivors aboard the vessel. The operation has raised alarms among officials in Congress and the Pentagon, who accuse the administration of attempting to shield Hegseth from responsibility by deflecting blame onto Admiral Bradley.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, confirmed the administration’s stance during a press briefing, stating that Admiral Bradley was in charge of the engagement, thereby mitigating Hegseth’s role in the controversial order. This move is seen as a strategic maneuver to protect Hegseth, who has faced criticism following a Washington Post report that claimed he had authorized the lethal action against all individuals on the boat, including those who may have posed no immediate threat. Critics argue that this tactic of scapegoating undermines accountability within the military and raises significant moral questions about the use of lethal force in such operations. The incident has reignited debates about military ethics and the decision-making processes that lead to such drastic measures, highlighting the complexities and consequences of U.S. military engagement abroad.
As the situation unfolds, further investigations and discussions in Congress are likely to scrutinize the actions of both Hegseth and Admiral Bradley, as well as the broader implications of the Trump administration’s military policies. The fallout from this incident could have lasting effects on military accountability and governance, particularly in how future operations are conducted and justified to the American public and international community.
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White House names Adm Frank M Bradley as officer who ‘directed the engagement’, distancing Hegseth from accountability
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Officials in Congress and the Pentagon say the
Trump administration
is attempting to shield Pete Hegseth from responsibility for a “second strike” to kill survivors on an alleged drug boat by scapegoating a US navy admiral instead.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, on Monday explicitly named Adm Frank M Bradley as the officer who “directed the engagement”, distancing Hegseth, the Pentagon secretary, from accountability despite a Washington Post report that he ordered the deaths of everyone on the boat.
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