**Trump and Hegseth Defend Strike on Drug Boat Amid Growing Criticism**
On December 2, 2025, former President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared new information about a controversial military operation that took place in September. During a press conference at a campaign rally in Florida, they addressed questions surrounding a U.S. strike on what officials claimed was a drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean.
The operation, which resulted in a fiery explosion and three confirmed deaths, has drawn criticism from human rights groups and opposition lawmakers. Critics say there was not enough evidence to prove the boat was involved in drug trafficking. Some have called for an independent investigation into the military’s rules of engagement.
Trump described the strike as “a strong message to narco-traffickers,” and praised the armed forces for acting quickly. Hegseth, who was appointed Secretary of Defense earlier this year, emphasized that the military acted on intelligence provided by international partners. He claimed the intercepted vessel was carrying large quantities of illegal narcotics bound for U.S. ports.
However, reporters pressed both Trump and Hegseth about the lack of publicly released evidence. So far, the Defense Department has not shared details like satellite images, drug seizure data, or the identity of the deceased. Legal analysts also questioned whether the strike followed international law, especially since it occurred in international waters.
The United Nations has issued a brief statement urging the U.S. to cooperate with international law and to release more information. Meanwhile, the governments of two Caribbean nations have expressed concern over the incident, stating that they were not informed in advance.
This incident comes as Trump increases his 2026 presidential campaign activities. He continues to frame national security and border enforcement as major priorities. Pete Hegseth, previously a Fox News contributor, is now a key figure in Trump’s security strategy.
Pressure is mounting on the U.S. government to clarify the facts behind the operation. In Congress, bipartisan calls are growing for a classified hearing to review what led to the strike and what intelligence was used to authorize it.
Investigations are expected to continue over the coming weeks, with more details likely to emerge soon.
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