Overview
- New NDAA language would limit the defense secretary’s travel funds to 75% until the Pentagon provides armed services panels with unedited footage of Southern Command strikes and required reports on execute orders.
- President Trump now says the release decision rests with Hegseth and denies previously saying he had “no problem” releasing the full video, while asserting the two survivors were trying to right a capsized boat.
- Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley told lawmakers he ordered the second strike and disputed any “kill them all” directive, with briefing details indicating the targeted vessel was pairing with a ship bound for Suriname.
- The administration maintains the maritime campaign is lawful and part of operations against narcotrafficking networks, as at least 22 strikes have killed at least 86 people since early September.
- Lawmakers who viewed the classified video offered sharply different assessments, with Sen. Tom Cotton calling the attack lawful and Reps. Jim Himes and Adam Smith saying the survivors appeared unable to pose an immediate threat.