US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has ignited a fresh political firestorm, this time during a solemn Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Pentagon. His remarks, which offered a prayer for peace while pointedly excluding so-called "narco-terrorists," have added fuel to an ongoing controversy surrounding his alleged role in a deadly military strike.
Prayer at the Pentagon Draws Sharp Lines
The incident occurred on December 4, 2025, during the historic Christmas tree lighting event at the US Department of Defense headquarters. In his address, Hegseth offered a prayer for peace but made a specific exception. He explicitly excluded individuals he labelled as "narco-terrorists" operating in the Caribbean region from his well-wishes. This divisive statement immediately drew criticism, framing the conflict in stark, uncompromising terms during a season traditionally associated with goodwill.
Mounting Scrutiny Over 'Kill Everyone' Allegations
This controversy comes at a time when Hegseth is facing intense scrutiny over much graver allegations. He is accused of issuing a "kill everyone" order during a September 2 military strike targeting an alleged Venezuelan drug boat. Reports suggest the operation involved a "double tap" strike, where a second attack was launched on survivors clinging to the wreckage of the initial hit.
While the White House has acknowledged the occurrence of the double tap strike, officials have denied that Hegseth personally gave the controversial order. In his defense, Hegseth has dismissed the accusations as "fake news," asserting that the final call was made by Admiral Frank Bradley. The Secretary of War has found a powerful ally in US President Donald Trump, who has publicly backed Hegseth's account of events.
A Deepening Political and Diplomatic Crisis
The combination of the incendiary Pentagon prayer and the unresolved allegations over the September strike paints a picture of a deeply polarised administration. Analysts suggest that Hegseth's rhetoric is a deliberate strategy to rally a political base, even as it complicates diplomatic relations and raises serious ethical questions about military engagement rules.
The situation presents several critical implications:
- Erosion of Norms: Using a ceremonial event for pointed political and military rhetoric breaks with traditional Pentagon decorum.
- Accountability in Question: The conflicting narratives between Hegseth, the White House, and military officials create a fog of accountability around the deadly strike.
- Unwavering Presidential Support: President Trump's public backing shields Hegseth from immediate political consequences, ensuring the controversy will remain in the spotlight.
As the investigation into the September 2 strike continues, Hegseth's defiant stance at the Pentagon ceremony ensures that his strategies and his past orders will remain under a harsh and unrelenting public microscope.
