Morning Joe White House confirms second strike on alleged drug boat
Dec 2, 2025
David Ignatius, a columnist and national security expert at The Washington Post, and Eugene Robinson, a seasoned political columnist and MSNBC contributor, dive into the political and legal ramifications of a controversial second strike on a drug boat by the White House. They discuss the complicated fallout affecting military morale, potential violations of international law, and Senate demands for oversight. The conversation also touches on Trump's controversial pardon of a Honduran leader, revealing deeper implications for U.S. drug policy.
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Administration Shifts Blame Over Second Strike
- The White House confirmed a second strike on a drug boat and blamed Admiral Frank M. Bradley while saying he acted within authority.
- Hosts argue the administration's framing shifts responsibility upward to Pete Hegseth, raising legal and political questions.
Public Bragging Amplifies Political Risk
- Pete Hegseth publicly boasted about watching and enabling the operation, undermining denials that he authorized lethal double-tap orders.
- That public boasting intensifies scrutiny and makes political cover for the White House difficult.
'Untie The Hands' Message To Warfighters
- Pete Hegseth told troops to 'untie the hands' of warfighters and later publicly celebrated lethal strikes.
- Guests relayed that his comments and tweets signaled an intent to maximize lethality over legal caution.