Does Pete Hegseth even believe that war crimes exist? | Sidney Blumenthal
Pete Hegseth, the self‑styled "Secretary of War," is under fire for alleged war crimes stemming from a September drone strike on a Caribbean boat. The incident has triggered investigations, legal analyses, and a broader clash over military accountability.
On 5 September, Pete Hegseth posted a video of a bronze plaque reading “Pete Hegseth Secretary of War” being installed on his Pentagon office door. The title, created by an executive order from former President Donald Trump, carries no statutory authority but reflects Hegseth’s self‑appointed warrior persona. Just days earlier, a drone strike he allegedly ordered against a small boat in the Caribbean killed dozens of men who were described by the Pentagon as "narco‑terrorists," a claim that has been widely disputed.
The September strike and the war‑crime allegation
According to a Washington Post report published on 28 November, Hegseth gave a verbal command on 2 September to "kill everybody" as a boat in the Caribbean was sinking after an initial attack that killed nine crew members. The strike was the first of at least 21 operations the Pentagon says have killed 82 people, though the identities of those killed remain unverified. Hegseth denied involvement in a second strike and later appeared on Fox News to promote the footage, claiming he watched the attack live.
In response, the Former JAGs Working Group—a coalition of former military lawyers formed in February 2025 after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dismissed the Army, Navy and Air Force judge advocates—issued a legal brief stating that both issuing and executing the orders could constitute war crimes or murder. Their brief was released on 29 November, intensifying calls for accountability.
Political backlash and investigations
Six Democratic members of Congress, all former military or intelligence officers, released a video on 18 November outlining the legal duty of service members to refuse unlawful orders. President Trump labeled the lawmakers "seditious" and threatened severe punishment, though he later back‑tracked on the death threat claim. Hegseth retaliated on X, dubbing the group the "Seditious Six" and demanding an FBI probe into Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy captain and astronaut.
The controversy escalated when the Pentagon’s Inspector General found that Hegseth had shared classified operational details via a private Signal group chat while coordinating an airstrike against Yemen’s Houthis. The leak, inadvertently observed by Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, led to a December 4 report that Hegseth violated security protocols and endangered troops.
Impact on the military hierarchy
Shortly after the boat strike, Hegseth forced the resignation of four‑star Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of U.S. Southern Command, citing Holsey’s “questions about the legality of lethal attacks.” Holsey’s departure, confirmed by a Wall Street Journal report, signaled Hegseth’s willingness to remove senior leaders who opposed his aggressive doctrine.
In late September, Hegseth convened senior commanders worldwide, urging them to abandon what he called "stupid rules of engagement" in favor of "maximum lethality and authority for warfighters." He warned that any officer uncomfortable with his approach should resign, a thinly veiled reference to Holsey’s ouster.
Public image and personal background
Hegseth’s rise to the Pentagon’s upper echelons is rooted in a media career that began with Fox & Friends in 2018. Known for his heavily tattooed appearance—featuring a crusader cross, the phrase "Deus vult," and a sniper rifle over an American flag—he cultivated a persona that blends pop‑culture references with militant rhetoric. His 2021 departure from the National Guard followed an internal investigation that labeled him an "insider threat" linked to extremist views.
Beyond the Pentagon, Hegseth has championed clemency for service members convicted of alleged war crimes, such as Army Lt. Clint Lorance and Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher. His advocacy helped secure three pardons from President Trump in November 2019, cementing his status as a hero among certain MAGA circles.
Legal and ethical questions moving forward
The allegations against Hegseth raise profound questions about the chain of command, the role of military lawyers, and the applicability of the Geneva Conventions to modern counter‑narco operations. While the Former JAGs Working Group urges prosecution, no formal charges have been filed as of early December 2026. Congressional committees are expected to hold hearings, and the Department of Justice is reviewing the Inspector General’s findings.
Meanwhile, Hegseth continues to post provocative content on social media, including a cartoon that reimagines the children’s character Franklin the Turtle as a combatant. The image, shared on 30 November, underscores his effort to normalize a hyper‑militarized worldview.
Why it matters
The case tests the limits of civilian oversight of the military and could set precedents for how war‑time orders are judged under international law.
Key points
- Hegseth posted a self‑appointed "Secretary of War" plaque in the Pentagon
- He allegedly ordered a drone strike on a Caribbean boat that killed dozens
- Former JAGs Working Group says the orders may constitute war crimes
- The Pentagon Inspector General found Hegseth shared classified strike details via Signal
- Senior commanders, including Admiral Holsey, were forced out for opposing Hegseth’s doctrine
Frequently asked questions
What evidence links Pete Hegseth to the September drone strike?
A Washington Post report cites a verbal command recorded by staff, and Hegseth’s own Fox News appearance where he claimed to have watched the strike live.
Who is the Former JAGs Working Group?
A coalition of former military judge advocates formed in February 2025 after Hegseth dismissed the service branches' senior lawyers; they analyze legal implications of his actions.
Has Hegseth been charged with any crime?
No formal charges have been filed yet, but investigations by the Inspector General and potential congressional hearings are ongoing.
What happened to Admiral Alvin Holsey?
He resigned as head of U.S. Southern Command after Hegseth questioned his stance on the legality of lethal strikes, an event seen as a forced ouster.
