In a strong show of support, United States War Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly declared his full backing for Admiral Frank Bradley and the combat decisions made under his command. This endorsement comes directly amid criticism from former President Donald Trump regarding a specific military operation.
Hegseth's Unwavering Support for a "True Professional"
On Monday, Secretary Hegseth took to the social media platform X to make his position unequivocally clear. He praised Admiral Mitch Bradley, calling him an "American hero" and a "true professional." Hegseth stated that the Admiral has his "100% support" and that he stands by him and the combat decisions he has made. This includes decisions related to a mission on September 2 and all subsequent operations.
"America is fortunate to have such men protecting us," Hegseth added in his post. He emphasised the Department of War's commitment, stating, "When this @DeptofWar says we have the back of our warriors — we mean it."
The Controversy Over the September 2 Strike
This public backing follows remarks from former President Donald Trump, who claimed he would not have ordered a second strike on a vessel from Venezuela that was allegedly carrying illegal drugs in September. Trump further asserted that Secretary Hegseth had denied giving the order for this military action.
However, the White House directly addressed and countered these claims on the same Monday. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt clarified the chain of command, confirming to Reuters that it was indeed Secretary Hegseth who authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct the kinetic strikes.
White House Confirms Authorization and Legality
Providing crucial details, Leavitt explained that Admiral Bradley operated well within his legal authority. "Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated," she stated. This official confirmation from the White House solidifies the narrative that the operation was a sanctioned action aimed at neutralizing a narcotics threat.
The situation highlights the ongoing political discourse surrounding US military engagements and command decisions. Secretary Hegseth's firm public support serves to reinforce the administration's confidence in its military leadership while directly responding to the external criticism from the former president.
