Balance of Power

Hegseth Rejects Boat Strike Claim

Dec 3, 2025
Nick Wadhams, a Bloomberg national security reporter, dissects the legality and implications of U.S. military strikes in Venezuela, addressing concerns over double-tap attacks. Jane Harman, former Congresswoman, urges for better Congressional oversight and discusses the challenges of inadequate briefings on intelligence matters. Caroline Hyde dives into the volatile world of AI, covering export control debates and the competitive landscape involving giants like Microsoft and Google, emphasizing how multiple players can thrive in the evolving tech ecosystem.
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INSIGHT

Pentagon Leadership Under Fire

  • Pete Hegseth faces mounting scrutiny from a Pentagon watchdog and questions over a double-tap strike off Venezuela.
  • President Trump publicly backs Hegseth despite legal and ethical concerns raised about the strikes.
INSIGHT

Legal Risks Of Double-Tap Strikes

  • Reporting suggests at least two strikes occurred on the Venezuelan boat, including a second hit that killed survivors in the water.
  • Observers say repeated secondary strikes would contravene the Geneva Conventions and raise severe legal questions.
ADVICE

Congress Must Press For Answers

  • Congress should demand full, transparent briefings and press for accountability on the strike timeline and orders.
  • Jane Harman urged lawmakers to be forceful and not abdicate oversight responsibilities.
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