House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stands at the center of a brewing storm over a deadly strike on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, urging patience as investigations unfold.
According to Fox News, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defends congressional investigations into the deadly Sept. 2 Caribbean strike on alleged drug vessels, while drawing parallels to drone operations under the Obama administration.
The White House confirmed that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth authorized a follow-up strike, though Adm. Frank Bradley, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, issued the direct order. Lawmakers now demand unedited footage and a full briefing on the incident from three months ago.
Addressing the controversy, Johnson emphasized the need for restraint, avoiding speculation on whether the footage might reveal defenseless survivors or potential war crimes. He affirmed that both House and Senate Armed Services committees are set to hold detailed hearings.
“My assessment of this, my understanding, is that most of the people that have looked at this, at least, in a preliminary review, say that the admiral who ordered the second strike thought it was necessary to complete the mission,” Johnson stated. We shouldn’t rush to judge a seasoned Navy admiral before all evidence is presented.
Johnson noted he’s been catching up on the details, having spent much of Monday campaigning in Tennessee for a special election. Still, he stressed that Congress holds the authority to examine the operation without hasty conclusions.
On the issue of releasing unedited video to Congress or the public, Johnson expressed caution. He pointed to possible national security implications tied to sensitive material in the recordings.
“I don't know how much of the tape should be released, because I'm not sure how much is sensitive with regard to national security and all that,” he remarked. Handing over classified content for public consumption could jeopardize far more than it clarifies.
While recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Johnson admitted he hasn’t reviewed the footage himself. He advocated for a careful approach, allowing congressional processes to unfold without premature verdicts.
Turning the discussion, Johnson highlighted precedents from the Obama administration, when drone strikes occurred frequently with little public scrutiny. He suggested a disparity in how similar actions are judged today.
“One of the things I was reminded of this morning is that under Barack Obama, President Obama … I think there were 550 drone strikes on people who were targeted as enemies of the country, and nobody ever questioned it,” Johnson noted. Curious how the spotlight shifts depending on who’s in power.
He also emphasized that secondary strikes, like the one under review, are standard when missions require completion. This isn’t an isolated incident but a recognized part of military tactics across administrations.
As Congress gears up for classified briefings and hearings, Johnson underscored the importance of grasping Adm. Bradley’s decision-making framework. He warned against eroding confidence in military leadership without a complete understanding of the mission.
The incident brings up valid concerns about engagement rules and accountability in such operations. Yet, undermining those who make critical decisions under pressure benefits no one, least of all our national defense.
In the end, Johnson’s position calls for transparency through established channels, not public theatrics. With bipartisan eyes on the Caribbean strike, the challenge lies in aligning oversight with respect for those safeguarding our interests.
