Defense Secretary Justifies Strikes on Drug Cartel Boats at Reagan Forum

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended military strikes on alleged drug cartel boats, comparing them to counter-terrorism efforts post-9/11. Addressing the Reagan National Defense Forum, Hegseth supported President Trump's military decisions and addressed rising tensions with China. He criticized past Republican leaders' foreign policies and downplayed climate change's impact on military readiness.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has robustly defended U.S. military actions targeting alleged drug cartel vessels, drawing parallels to past counter-terrorism strategies. Speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, he emphasized the president's authority for military actions deemed necessary to safeguard national interests.

Addressing the backlash over the strikes, which have resulted in over 80 deaths, Hegseth insisted that these operations are justified under the nation's defense prerogative. He characterized the operations as part of a broader, ongoing battle akin to the post-9/11 war on terror.

In his keynote at the Reagan National Defense Forum, Hegseth also underscored the importance of opposing China's global ascension through strength. He additionally criticized the focus on democracy-building and dismissed climate change as a significant military threat.

(With inputs from agencies.)