THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Hegseth Defense in Total Collapse as Leaks on Strike Grow More Damning
Dec 9, 2025
Joined by Tess Bridgeman, co-editor of Just Security and former national security lawyer, the discussion dives deep into the fallout surrounding Pete Hegseth's defense of a controversial military action. Bridgeman critiques the legality of the bombing campaign and reveals the troubling evidence that suggests the victims were waving for help. She highlights the wavering support from lawmakers and addresses the implications for accountability concerning President Trump's involvement. Their conversation underscores the urgent need for oversight and a legal reevaluation of military actions.
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No Legal Basis For Military Drug Strikes
- The U.S. is not at war with cartels, so targeting drug-smuggling vessels lacks legal basis.
- Tess Bridgeman says these killings amount to murder under domestic and international law.
Striking Shipwrecked People Violates Law
- The two survivors clinging to wreckage were defenseless and should not have been targeted.
- Bridgeman notes the Law of War manual uses this exact scenario as a clear illegal-order example.
Waving Suggests Surrender Or Call For Rescue
- Lawmakers who saw the video reported the two men appeared to be waving, suggesting surrender or a plea for rescue.
- Bridgeman emphasizes waving further confirms they posed no threat and shouldn't have been attacked.