Recent reports have raised significant allegations regarding the actions of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during military operations targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. A November 28 article from The Washington Post indicated that Hegseth ordered a missile strike on a boat, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of individuals who were still alive after the initial attack. The White House confirmed that Hegseth authorized the operation on September 2, although officials stated he did not explicitly approve the follow-up strike.

These military actions, if substantiated, could represent a violation of federal law. Since early September, operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean have reportedly resulted in over 80 fatalities, raising questions about the lack of clear congressional authorization for such strikes. The legality of these actions is under scrutiny, particularly as the targeted vessels do not appear to pose an imminent threat to the United States.

The potential for Hegseth to receive a presidential pardon raises further concerns about accountability within the administration. President Donald Trump has previously shown a willingness to pardon allies, which may create an environment where violations of law are less likely to be deterred. This situation highlights broader implications of the pardon power, which has been criticized for enabling actions that may undermine the rule of law.

The historical context of the pardon power suggests it was intended to serve as a check on executive authority; however, the current political climate complicates this function. The difficulty in achieving bipartisan consensus for impeachment further weakens oversight of presidential actions. Both Trump and President Joe Biden have faced scrutiny for their use of pardons, with some actions raising ethical questions regarding potential corruption.

On December 2, 2025, President Trump conducted his final Cabinet meeting of the year, which included discussions on the military strike against the alleged drug-carrying boat. Hegseth defended the action, citing the 'fog of war' as a rationale for the decisions made during the operation. The meeting was characterized by a lack of engagement from Trump, who appeared drowsy at times, while his budget director, Russell Vought, was observed doodling.

Despite Trump's call for brevity, Cabinet members delivered lengthy presentations, often contradicting his earlier remarks about rising costs being a 'con job.' Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged economic pressures affecting Americans. In a notable moment, Trump expressed disapproval of Somali immigrants, suggesting they should remain in their home country to address its challenges, a statement that received approval from his Cabinet and reflects the administration's stance on immigration.

The Cabinet meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session, where Hegseth reiterated that he did not observe survivors during the military strike, raising ethical implications regarding such military actions. This ongoing situation underscores the need for a reevaluation of how military interventions and pardon powers are exercised to ensure accountability and adherence to legal standards.