The Last Word with Matt Cooper The Last Word On The US: Has Trump's Defence Secretary Committed War Crimes?
Dec 2, 2025
Cal Thomas, a conservative commentator, and Marion McKeown, a political analyst, dive into the controversy surrounding US strikes on Venezuelan drug boats, questioning Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's orders. They discuss potential violations of military rules and call for Congressional investigation. The conversation also touches on the complexities of drug trafficking routes, Trump's controversial pardons, and his temperament as he navigates political challenges, including a recent shooting incident and Afghan visa vetting issues.
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Potential Violation Of DoD Rules
- The Department of Defense manual forbids striking defenseless survivors after a ship is disabled.
- Marion McKeown argues the second strike that killed survivors appears to violate that rule and raises war-crime questions.
Graphic Account Of The Boat Strike
- Marion McKeown recounts the September 2 strike where 11 people were aboard and nine were killed instantly.
- She describes two survivors clinging to wreckage who were then killed by a second strike and the boat sunk.
Bring Witnesses Before Congress
- Carl Thomas urges Congress to subpoena participants like Pete Hegseth and Admiral Bradley to testify under oath.
- He advises a close congressional inquiry given the seriousness of deliberately killing defenseless people.