Schmitt Slams Democrats for Lethal Airstrikes ‘Smear’ Campaign

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., issued a sharp condemnation of Democratic lawmakers and others who he claims are attempting to tarnish Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over the execution of military strikes in the Caribbean against drug boats.

In a post on X Tuesday morning titled “Yep — war crimes,” Schmitt wrote that Democrats intended to prosecute another political opponent. He added, “They have lost it.” and characterized their actions as obstruction attempts targeting the Trump administration with legal attacks they can muster.

Schmitt, who previously served as Missouri’s Attorney General, described these efforts against @SecWar as fueled by a radicalized base seeking power without regard for rules or established processes. He noted the behind-the-scenes activity surrounding the nomination and continued criticism of Hegseth despite his confirmed role in the authorized operations.

The senator warned that smear campaigns would persist unless Republicans stand firm against this tactic, calling it a “same tired playbook” employed through anonymous leaks designed to undermine support for military actions taken under authorization to eliminate threats. He specifically mentioned allegations regarding double strikes on apparent survivors being used as political weapons.

Hegseth defended the strike decisions during a Cabinet meeting later Tuesday, stating they were authorized and legal lethal measures aimed at eliminating narco-terrorism threats under established law of war principles. Military experts concur that authorization permits ensuring threat elimination, including potentially disproportionate property destruction relevant to ongoing hostilities or fugitive activity along maritime borders.

Schmitt’s post also questioned the credibility of certain media outlets’ coverage regarding these military operations in relation to political opponents like @PeteHegseth, suggesting their reports lack accuracy and serve partisan agendas.