Anderson Cooper 360 Bipartisan Lawmakers Back Release Of “Double-Tap” Boat Strike Videos
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Dec 9, 2025 Margaret Donovan, a retired Army captain and legal expert, discusses the importance of releasing video footage of the controversial boat strike, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Gretchen Carlson, a former journalist and political commentator, shares insights on media integrity and the ramifications of conflicting statements from President Trump regarding the release. Sabrina Singh, ex-Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, provides an insider's view on Defense Department communications, highlighting the need for clarity in the ongoing debate over accountability in military operations.
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Congress Seeks Full Video Through NDAA Leverage
- Bipartisan lawmakers pressed the Defense Department to release the classified full video of the September 2nd boat strike.
- The NDAA provision would withhold 25% of Secretary Hegseth's travel budget until Congress receives the video.
Trump's Public Promise Then Pushback
- Anderson Cooper replayed President Trump's statement from five days earlier saying he'd have "no problem" releasing the full strike video.
- He contrasted that with the president later denying or walking back the comment when pressed by reporters.
Pentagon Cites Operational Security For Withholding
- Secretary Hegseth said the video is under review to protect sources, methods and ongoing operations.
- He emphasized protecting bespoke capabilities and ongoing operator activities over immediate public release.
