Newsmax’s Andrew Napolitano accuses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of war crimes, igniting a storm within conservative circles.
Story Highlights
- Andrew Napolitano accuses Pete Hegseth of war crimes on Newsmax.
- The accusation stems from a September 2025 military strike in the Caribbean.
- Allegations suggest survivors were unlawfully killed, violating international law.
- Congress is considering investigations into the incident.
Napolitano’s Allegations Against Hegseth
Andrew Napolitano, a respected legal analyst on Newsmax, has made serious allegations against Pete Hegseth, the current Defense Secretary under President Trump. On December 2, 2025, Napolitano argued that Hegseth should be prosecuted for war crimes. The allegations arise from a military operation on September 2, 2025, where survivors of an alleged drug smuggling boat strike were reportedly killed instead of being rescued, a direct violation of the international law of armed conflict and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Napolitano’s critique is not only a legal challenge but also a personal one, as he and Hegseth share a professional history from their time at Fox News. The gravity of the accusations is amplified by Napolitano’s standing within conservative media, indicating a significant rift within the circles that typically support the Trump administration.
Military Ethics and Legal Implications
The incident in question, part of Trump’s broader campaign against drug trafficking in the Caribbean, involved at least 21 strikes over several months. However, the September 2 strike stands out due to reports that survivors were deliberately killed.
Such actions are condemned by the laws of armed conflict, which require that survivors be rescued, not executed. Napolitano’s assertion that these actions constitute war crimes challenges the administration’s narrative and raises questions about accountability and military ethics.
The legal implications are profound. If Napolitano’s claims hold, this could lead to significant legal precedents regarding the extent of executive power in military operations. Moreover, the situation could prompt congressional investigations, as suggested by Napolitano, potentially leading to further scrutiny of military leadership and decision-making processes.
Political and Public Reactions
Politically, the allegations create tension within conservative ranks, as Napolitano’s criticism comes from a Trump-friendly network. Hegseth initially took responsibility for the strike, stating on Fox & Friends that he watched it “live,” but later shifted blame to Admiral Frank M. Bradley, while still expressing full support for him. This shifting narrative complicates the administration’s position and raises questions about transparency and accountability.
Newsmax Legal Analyst Andrew Napolitano Destroys Pete Hegseth in Stunning Commentary: ‘Should Be Prosecuted for a War Crime!’https://t.co/PwnwMVG1k7
— Alex Griffing (@AlexGriffing) December 2, 2025
The broader implications of this incident could affect U.S. international standing concerning compliance with humanitarian laws. As Congress considers investigations, the outcome could shape future military policies and operations. For now, the situation remains in the realm of commentary and potential inquiry, with no formal charges yet filed.
Sources:
Trump War Sec Hegseth Bragged on Fox Hours After No Survivors Boat Strike: “I Watched It Live”
