Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the move in a social media post claiming his department had carried out what he called a “lethal kinetic strike” on the vessel, which he claimed had been operated by members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

Some Democrats are accusing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of curtailing Congress’ oversight role with his recent order instructing the Defense Department personnel to coordinate all interactions

"Watch as Gavin Newsom shatters Pete Hegseth's 'Alpha Male Energy' in just 10 seconds. You won't believe what happens next! 😂

A new memo on communications with Capitol Hill, signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his deputy, follows restrictions on reporting out of the Pentagon.

Zookeeper and conservationist Robert Irwin filed a $60 million lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. A rumor that circulated online in October 2025 claimed (archived) zookeeper and conservationist Robert Irwin filed a $60 million lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Pete Hegseth is said to have lost the respect of his senior officers after an “embarrassing” speech in which he railed against “fat troops” and the state of the US armed forces.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that the U.S. struck a boat allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean Sea, marking at least the third time this week that the U.S. has attacked a vessel it says was involved in drug trafficking.