US Military Strike Controversy Unfolds

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to commit to releasing video of a second missile strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, which killed two survivors of an initial attack. The Trump administration has faced criticism over the strikes, with some lawmakers questioning whether the second strike constituted a war crime. Hegseth denied ordering the second strike or issuing a 'kill order' on survivors, saying it was ordered by Navy Adm. Frank 'Mitch' Bradley. The Pentagon has released no evidence that the vessels were trafficking drugs, despite killing at least 87 people in 22 vessel strikes.

Representative Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut and top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on December 7, 2025. Himes discussed a classified video of a U.S. military strike on an alleged drug boat near Venezuela on September 2, which he was shown along with six other lawmakers. The strike involved four separate attacks, and Himes expressed his shock at the graphic content, stating that the American public needs to see it to understand the reality of the action. Himes questioned the legitimacy of the strike, citing that the individuals targeted were not actively engaging in hostilities and were barely alive when attacked. He criticized the shifting explanations provided by the Department of Defense and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, doubting their credibility. Himes contrasted Hegseth's account with that of Admiral Bradley, whom he found credible due to his integrity. The interview highlighted the controversy surrounding the U.S. military's actions and the differing interpretations of the laws of war.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' to discuss the current state of the economy, inflation, and trade policies under the Trump administration. Bessent contradicted the President's earlier prediction of a weaker holiday season, stating that it has been strong across all income cohorts. He attributed the economy's strength to 4% GDP growth in some quarters and expected 3% real GDP growth by year's end. Bessent also discussed inflation, stating that while it remains a concern, the PCE inflation rate is around 2.9%, and imported goods inflation is lower at 1.8%. He emphasized that the service economy is driving inflation, not tariffs. The conversation also touched on the President's comments on affordability, with Bessent suggesting that real incomes are up 1% and that the administration is working to address embedded inflation from previous years. Bessent defended the administration's actions on trade and agriculture, including a trade deal with China that secures soybean purchases. However, he acknowledged that farmers might need short-term relief through bridge payments due to low crop prices.