Hegseth Defends Potential Strikes on Cartel Boats, Claims Trump Has Broad Authority to Use Force
SIMI VALLEY, Calif.- During a speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California,conservative commentator Sean Hegseth defended the potential use of military force against alleged drug cartel boats,asserting that former President Donald Trump could authorize such actions “as he sees fit.” Hegseth’s remarks underscored a key tenet of the Trump administration’s emerging national security strategy, which prioritizes a reassertion of American dominance and a willingness to challenge established norms.
Hegseth’s comments come as Trump has increasingly signaled a more interventionist foreign policy stance should he return to office. The discussion of direct military action against cartels – a tactic previously considered controversial due to sovereignty concerns and potential escalation of violence – highlights a willingness to bypass conventional diplomatic channels and employ unilateral force. This approach raises questions about the legal boundaries of presidential authority and the potential ramifications for U.S. relations with Mexico.
During the speech, Hegseth also outlined elements of the newly released national security strategy, characterizing European allies as weak and emphasizing a focus on the Western Hemisphere. He echoed Trump’s previous statements regarding nuclear testing, repeating a vow to resume tests on par with China and Russia, a position that has drawn criticism from nuclear arms control experts.
hegseth positioned Trump as the “true and rightful heir” to President Ronald Reagan’s assertive foreign policy, contrasting it with what he described as ineffective post-Reagan approaches focused on nation-building and interventionism in the Middle East. He specifically criticized efforts related to democracy building, regime change, climate change concerns, and what he termed “woke moralizing” as distractions for the military.
“The war department will not be distracted by democracy building, interventionism, undefined wars, regime change, climate change, woke moralizing and feckless nation building,” Hegseth stated.
