Rep. Jim Himes, the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating he has 'zero credibility' regarding the Pentagon's shifting explanations for a September 2 strike on an alleged drug boat. This strike, part of the Trump administration's campaign against purported drug trafficking off the South American coast, has drawn significant scrutiny, particularly after reports indicated that a follow-up strike resulted in the deaths of two survivors from the initial attack.

Himes, following a closed-door briefing with military officials, described the content of the video shown to lawmakers as 'one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service.' He emphasized the importance of making this video public, suggesting that the interpretation of the footage varied significantly along party lines. Himes expressed concern that the American public should be able to assess the situation independently, noting his own profound reaction to the video.

The September 2 strike marked the beginning of a series of military actions against alleged drug traffickers, with over 20 strikes conducted since, resulting in more than 80 fatalities. These operations have faced criticism for being executed without explicit Congressional authorization. The administration has justified these actions by designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations, although it has not provided evidence that the targeted vessels were operated by such entities.

Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, defended the military's actions, asserting that the individuals targeted were not incapacitated and that the strike was appropriate to ensure the destruction of the boat's cargo. Himes countered that the status of the individuals at the time of the strike is crucial, arguing that attacking those who are not actively engaged in hostilities violates the laws of war.

The briefing included testimony from General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Frank 'Mitch' Bradley, head of Special Operations Command, who oversaw the mission. Himes acknowledged the integrity of Admiral Bradley but raised concerns about the pressures faced by military leaders in such contexts, suggesting that good individuals may make troubling decisions under certain circumstances.

Hegseth, discussing his role in the strikes, indicated that he supported the decision to conduct a reattack based on the information available at the time. Himes, however, questioned the clarity of Hegseth's statements regarding his involvement, reiterating his lack of confidence in Hegseth's credibility on the matter.