Watch: Trump, Hegseth provide new details about second strike against alleged drug boat

Key Concepts

• Boat Strikes: Military operations targeting vessels suspected of transporting illicit substances.
• Fentanyl: A potent synthetic opioid, identified as a primary driver of drug-related deaths in the US.
• Designated Terrorist Organizations: Entities officially recognized as terrorist groups, allowing for more aggressive counter-terrorism measures.
• Kinetic Approach: Military action involving the use of force to neutralize threats.
• Fog of War: The inherent confusion and uncertainty in combat situations that can impede clear observation and decision-making.
• Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE): The process of gathering intelligence from a captured location or object.
• Narco-Terrorists: Individuals or groups involved in both drug trafficking and terrorism.

Boat Strikes Near Venezuela and Administration's Stance

The discussion centers on recent boat strikes, specifically a second strike on a particular vessel near Venezuela. The President initially stated he was unaware if the second strike had occurred and would not have wanted it. However, with the administration now acknowledging its occurrence, the question arises whether the President supports this second strike.

President's Perspective on Boat Strikes

The President emphasizes the life-saving impact of these strikes, stating, "Every boat that you see get blown up, we saved 25,000 on average lives." He attributes the influx of dangerous drugs, particularly fentanyl, to these operations, highlighting its extreme potency: "a little speck on the head of a pin can kill somebody. It's very dangerous stuff."

Regarding the specific boat strike, the President reiterates his limited information, relying on Secretary Pete. He views the action as an "attack" rather than a matter of one, two, or three strikes. He admits to not knowing about the second strike or any individuals involved at the time, stating, "I wasn't involved in it. I knew they took out a boat." However, he unequivocally supports the objective: "I want those boats taken out." He further indicates a willingness to extend these operations to land if necessary, claiming that sea-based drug trafficking has been reduced by "over 90%." He asserts that these "pinpoint attacks" are saving "hundreds of thousands of lives."

The President dismisses the press's potential skepticism about the nature of the cargo, pointing to the unusual characteristics of the vessels: "who has five engines on the back of a boat going in weird directions and loaded up with lots of white containers? They're all their bags or things." He praises Secretary Pete's performance, calling him "an amazing job."

Secretary's Perspective on Boat Strikes and Decision-Making

Secretary Pete corroborates the President's statements and provides further context. He begins by outlining the scale of the issue: "20 million people invading our country over four years. We don't know where they're coming from. That includes trend AWA and cartels and violent criminals. They bring drugs." He frames the drug problem as "an intentional poisoning of the American people, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans."

He explains the administration's decision to designate cartels as terrorist organizations, drawing a parallel to how groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS are treated. He argues against a lenient approach, stating, "Do you arrest them and treat them, pat them on the head and say don't do that again or do you end the problem directly by taking a lethal kinetic approach?" He confirms that President Trump has authorized the War Department to pursue such an approach against these cartels.

The Secretary details the rigorous and deliberative process involved in authorizing these strikes, involving intelligence, legal review, and evidence-based decision-making by professionals at JOCK and SOCOM. He emphasizes that these operations ensure "every one of those drug boats is tied to a designated terrorist organization." He clarifies that the "white bales" are not innocuous items but rather drugs being transported via fast boats or submarines.

He confirms that he empowered commanders to make the call on strikes. He personally authorized the first strike on September 2nd after receiving all necessary information. He watched the first strike live but did not remain for the subsequent "sensitive site exploitation" due to other commitments. He learned of the commander's decision to sink the boat and eliminate the threat a few hours later, stating, "Admiral Bradley made the correct decision to ultimately sink the boat and eliminate the threat." He asserts that the American people are safer because "narot terrorists know you can't bring drugs through the water."

Regarding survivors, the Secretary states, "I did not personally see survivors but I stand because the thing was on fire. It was exploded and fire and smoke. You can't see anything." He attributes this to the "fog of war," criticizing the press for their lack of understanding and for planting "fake stories." He defends the judgment of the military personnel involved, stating, "President Trump has empowered commanders to do what is necessary, which is dark and difficult things in the dead of night on behalf of the American people."

Clarification on the Second Strike

When pressed about the timing of the second strike, the Secretary reiterates his previous answer, stating, "I already stated my answer quite clearly." He then pivots to the broader impact of drug deaths, estimating that "more than 200,000 people" died last year, a number he claims is "way down" due to these strikes. He announces plans to extend these strikes to land operations, which he believes will be "much easier."

Broader Implications and Future Actions

The President expresses a strong commitment to preventing drug-related deaths, particularly among young people. He criticizes the Biden administration's border policies, describing the influx of people as "animals" who are "destroying our country" and allowing drugs to pour in. He claims that "11,888 murderers" have been allowed into the country "totally unvetted, totally unchecked." He concludes by reiterating the administration's resolve to "take those son of a out" and stop the flow of drugs.