Hegseth Accused of Incompetence, Fake News Stance Sparks Criticism

WASHINGTON – Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., has launched sharp criticism against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over his comments regarding a second strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat. Paul suggested that Hegseth was either “lying” or “incompetent.”

At the heart of Paul’s accusations is Hegseth’s initial dismissal of media reports, only to later acknowledge and defend the action following its confirmation by U.S. forces.

Paul stated Tuesday he had noticed a contradiction in how Secretary Hegseth addressed the matter: first calling it “fake news,” then confirming its occurrence.

“I think it’s outrageous,” Paul declared during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. “Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, after initially saying Sunday that this did not happen and was fake news… later acknowledged it occurred.”

Hegseth, speaking on Tuesday, claimed he left before the second strike but said Adm. Bradley made the correct decision to sink the boat.

“We have his back,” Hegseth commented, defending the order despite evidence suggesting a second strike targeted survivors of the first attack.