White House Defends Admiral Bradley’s Follow‑Up Strike as Legal, Promotes Him
Updated (3 articles)
White House, Pentagon, and Defense Secretary affirm legality The White House announced that Vice Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley acted within his authority and U.S. law when he ordered the September 2 kinetic strike on a suspected drug‑smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea[1]. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order authorizing the follow‑up strike and publicly called Bradley a “hero”[1][2]. Pentagon officials, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, reiterated confidence in the mission and its compliance with proper channels[2].
Second kinetic strike on September 2 targeted suspected drug vessel The operation began with an initial strike that hit the vessel, followed by a second kinetic strike that reportedly killed survivors of the first attack[1][3]. U.S. officials described the boat as part of a cartel network and reported more than 80 deaths across both attacks[2]. A Washington Post report cited survivor casualties, prompting calls for evidence such as video of the strike[1].
Congressional and bipartisan scrutiny intensifies over strike conduct Lawmakers from both parties demanded a congressional review of U.S. military actions against suspected drug vessels, with some Republicans questioning the legality and requesting additional proof[1]. The White House briefing scheduled for Thursday aims to address survivor‑kill claims and provide a detailed account of the operation[3]. President Donald Trump publicly said he would not have wanted a second strike, highlighting a policy disagreement within the administration[3].
Bradley promoted and Venezuela opens investigation after casualties One month after the September 2 operation, Bradley was promoted from commander of Joint Special Operations Command to commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, signaling continued confidence in his leadership[1]. Venezuela’s National Assembly announced an investigation into the lethal U.S. strikes, with Maduro’s chief negotiator acknowledging Venezuelan deaths[3]. The combined diplomatic and legislative responses underscore the broader regional implications of the strike.
Sources
-
1.
AP: White House Defends Admiral’s Follow‑Up Strike on Alleged Drug Boat as Lawful: Details White House and Defense Secretary defense of legality, promotion of Bradley, and bipartisan congressional review demands.
-
2.
Newsweek: Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends Admiral Bradley Amid Second Boat Strike Controversy: Highlights Hegseth’s hero praise, Trump’s opposition, casualty figures over 80, and senior Pentagon reassurance to lawmakers.
-
3.
King5: White House Defends Admiral's Follow‑Up Strike on Alleged Drug Boat: Emphasizes White House legality claim, Trump’s dissent, Venezuelan investigation, and Bradley’s promotion after the operation.
Timeline
Sep 2, 2025 – U.S. forces launch a kinetic strike on a suspected drug‑smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea and, minutes later, order a second strike that kills survivors of the first attack, bringing the death toll to over 80. The operation sparks investigations by U.S. lawmakers and Venezuela’s National Assembly, marking the first time a Maduro‑aligned official publicly acknowledges Venezuelan casualties. [1][3]
Oct 2025 (approximately one month after the Sep 2 strike) – Vice Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley is promoted from commander of Joint Special Operations Command to commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, signaling continued confidence in his leadership despite the controversy surrounding the September strikes. [2][3]
Dec 1, 2025 – President Donald Trump says he “wouldn’t have wanted” a second strike, hinting at a policy clash with the administration. The White House counters that Bradley acted “within his authority and the law.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posts on X that Bradley is an “American hero” and fully backs the mission. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirms Hegseth gave a verbal order authorizing the follow‑up kinetic strike. Lawmakers from both parties announce a congressional review of U.S. military actions against drug vessels, demanding evidence such as video footage. Venezuela’s National Assembly opens an investigation, with chief negotiator Jorge Rodríguez acknowledging Venezuelan deaths. [3]
Dec 2, 2025 – The White House reiterates that Bradley’s second strike was lawful, with Press Secretary Leavitt emphasizing that the operation was authorized through proper channels and that Bradley “worked well within his authority and the law.” Hegseth again defends Bradley on social media, calling him a “hero” and pledging continued backing for U.S. commanders. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine holds briefings with House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders to reassure lawmakers of confidence in the mission’s goal to disrupt drug‑trafficking networks. [2][1]