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politics1d ago
Hegseth hints at major defense spending hike, reveals new details on Trump’s anti-narco-terrorism operations
- Hegseth says he personally approved the September 2 strike on a Venezuelan drug vessel and watched the operation live from the Pentagon.
- He described a second strike was necessary to target remaining threats after the first hit.
- Hegseth said the operation was part of a broader plan with more than 20 strikes against narco-terrorist networks in the Caribbean.
- Hegseth linked defense spending growth to rebuilding a revived defense industrial base.
- He stated morale within the U.S. military has surged under the Trump administration.
- Hegseth said he does not regret using signals to coordinate operations and defended keeping initial strike authority at his level.
- The interview touched on the strategic aim of deterring narco-terrorists in the Caribbean.
- Hegseth indicated defense spending as a policy topic in Oval Office discussions for FY 2026 and 2027.
- Hegseth described a broader debate about AI-enabled tools versus autonomous systems in warfare.
- The interview covered survivor protocols after strikes and the handling of individuals rescued from vessels.
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