President Donald Trump faces a challenging decision as a new Daily Mail JL Partners poll indicates that 54% of American voters are calling for the dismissal of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. This number increased to 63% when pushing undecided voters for a decision. The pressure comes after allegations that a September military strike against a Venezuelan drug boat, authorized by Hegseth, may have violated international combat regulations.
The controversy centers on two strikes in the Caribbean Sea. The first strike destroyed a narco vessel, resulting in the deaths of most individuals on board. The second strike, however, targeted two injured survivors from the wreckage, leading to accusations of war crimes. Critics argue that these survivors were hors de combat, a term meaning out of combat due to injuries, thus protected under international law, including the Geneva Conventions.
This incident has sparked significant debate, as nearly half of the voters still support the U.S. government's anti-narcoterrorism efforts. Despite this, there is a clear demand for accountability regarding the actions taken during the second strike.
The issue has underscored a stark partisan divide, with three-fourths of Republican voters backing Hegseth and advocating for his retention in the administration. Conversely, a majority of Democrats are calling for his removal, seeking accountability over the wartime policy.
In response to the outcry, the White House has maintained that all operations were in compliance with both domestic and international laws. Officials have stated that there has been no breach of the laws of armed conflict. President Trump has supported Hegseth's leadership amidst these claims.
However, the administration has placed some responsibility on Admiral Frank Bradley, the on-scene commander. Bradley, in his congressional testimony, stated that he authorized the second strike believing there was an ongoing threat. Hegseth has denied giving any orders to "kill everybody," noting that while he approved a contingency for a follow-up strike, he did not mandate the elimination of survivors.
President Trump, while expressing trust in both Hegseth and Bradley's judgment, has subtly distanced himself from the decision, stating that he "wouldn't have wanted that." Despite this, Trump has hinted at the possibility of escalating military action against Venezuela and its leader Nicolás Maduro, suggesting that land strikes could be forthcoming.
The situation presents a complex dilemma for the President. If he chooses to dismiss Hegseth, he may be seen as confirming the allegations. If he opts to retain him, he could be perceived as fully endorsing the controversial strike.
