US President Donald Trump expressed support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during Tuesday’s (Dec 2) Cabinet meeting, saying he is doing a good job amid ongoing scrutiny over Pentagon operations targeting alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, including one vessel that was hit twice, as acknowledged by the White House. As the first cabinet member to speak, Hegseth reaffirmed the Pentagon’s commitment to cracking down on alleged drug boats. “As I have said and will say again, we have only just begun to hit narco-boats and put narco-terrorists on the bottom of the sea,” said Hegseth. “Because they poisoned the American people. And Joe Biden tried to approach it with kid gloves.” Emphasis on stopping drug trafficking The Secretary of Defense highlighted the broader goals of the strikes: stopping the flow of drugs and eliminating threats. “We stop the drugs, we shut down the boats, we defeat narco-terrorists,” Hegseth added. Hegseth cites ‘fog of war’ Hegseth defended the second attack by citing the “fog of war”, emphasizing the uncertainty and confusion inherent in combat operations. Hegseth said: -He saw no survivors in the water at the time of the second strike. -The vessel was already on fire, which influenced the decision. -He didn’t stay for the rest of the mission after the first strike. -The admiral in charge had “full authority” to order the follow-up strike and, in his opinion, “made the right call.” The comments come amid investigations into Pentagon operations in the Caribbean. A report said a follow-up strike in September killed survivors of an earlier attack. Hegseth’s comments indicate continued aggressive action against alleged narco-terrorist activities at sea. Follow-up strike prompts investigation The meeting comes after The Washington Post reported that a follow-up strike on September 2 targeted survivors of an earlier attack. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the second strike, but clarified that a Navy admiral, not Hegseth, had given the order. “Regarding the strikes in question on September 2nd, Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law, and directed the engagement to ensure that the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated,” Leavitt said. Defense Secretary stands by commanders Hegseth reiterated the administration’s support for military commanders who are making tough decisions. “As President Trump always has our backs, we always have the backs of our commanders who make decisions in difficult situations. And we do in this case, and all these strikes. They did the right things, we will continue to do them, and we have their backs, Mr. President,” Hegseth said. The Pentagon’s press secretary added that both Trump and Hegseth are ultimately directing the strikes. “At the end of the day, the secretary and the president are the ones directing these strikes,” the official said. Adm. Bradley poses for classified briefing Navy Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, who oversaw the follow-up strike, is expected to provide a classified briefing to lawmakers on Thursday.