Lieu Drops Bombshell: “Hegseth Ordered an Illegal Strike”

Washington, D.C. — Capitol Hill was rocked this week by explosive allegations from Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), who revealed in a public hearing that Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth was directly responsible for ordering a military strike deemed illegal under both U.S. and international law. The revelation has ignited a fierce debate over civilian involvement in military affairs, executive oversight, and the future of American foreign policy.

Lieu’s statement came during a special session of the House Armed Services Committee, convened to investigate a series of covert operations in the Caribbean and South America. According to classified documents and whistleblower testimony presented by Lieu, Hegseth played a central role in authorizing a drone strike on a suspected cartel compound in Venezuela—a move that bypassed Congressional approval and violated the War Powers Resolution.

“Let me be clear,” Lieu said, addressing the committee and a packed gallery of reporters. “Mr. Hegseth, a civilian with no official military authority, issued the order for a strike that resulted in significant casualties and international condemnation. This was not only reckless—it was unlawful.”

The committee heard from senior Pentagon officials who confirmed that the operation was carried out based on directives from a special task force, which had been consulting with Hegseth in an advisory capacity. However, internal communications revealed that Hegseth’s recommendations were interpreted as direct orders by the team on the ground. The resulting strike led to the destruction of the compound, but also to civilian injuries and diplomatic fallout with Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government immediately condemned the strike as “an act of aggression,” demanding reparations and threatening to bring the case before the United Nations. Human rights groups joined the chorus of criticism, citing the lack of due process and oversight.

Hegseth responded swiftly on his nightly broadcast, denying any wrongdoing and accusing Lieu and other lawmakers of politicizing national security. “I have always advocated for strong action against threats to America,” Hegseth said. “But I have never acted outside the bounds of the law or my advisory role.”

Lieu, however, stood firm. “The evidence is overwhelming,” he told reporters after the hearing. “We have emails, operational logs, and eyewitness accounts. Congress must act to ensure accountability and prevent further abuses of power.”

The White House released a brief statement, promising to cooperate with the Congressional investigation and reaffirming its commitment to lawful military conduct. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense announced an internal review of the chain of command and the procedures that led to the strike.

Legal experts weighed in, warning that the case could have far-reaching implications for civilian advisors and the oversight of covert operations. “If proven, this sets a dangerous precedent for civilians influencing military action without proper authority,” said Professor Maria Hernandez of Yale Law School.

Republican lawmakers urged caution, calling for a full review of the facts before drawing conclusions. “We must protect national security, but we must also uphold the rule of law,” said Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).

The House Armed Services Committee has scheduled further hearings to examine the evidence and hear testimony from additional witnesses. Advocacy groups are pressing for transparency and justice for those affected by the strike.

As the nation watches, the fate of Pete Hegseth and the future of civilian involvement in military operations hang in the balance. Congressman Lieu’s bombshell has opened a new chapter in the debate over war powers, accountability, and the limits of authority in American government.

Lieu Drops Bombshell: “Hegseth Ordered an Illegal Strike”

Washington, D.C. — Capitol Hill was rocked this week by explosive allegations from Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), who revealed in a public hearing that Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth was directly responsible for ordering a military strike deemed illegal under both U.S. and international law. The revelation has ignited a fierce debate over civilian involvement in military affairs, executive oversight, and the future of American foreign policy.

Lieu’s statement came during a special session of the House Armed Services Committee, convened to investigate a series of covert operations in the Caribbean and South America. According to classified documents and whistleblower testimony presented by Lieu, Hegseth played a central role in authorizing a drone strike on a suspected cartel compound in Venezuela—a move that bypassed Congressional approval and violated the War Powers Resolution.

“Let me be clear,” Lieu said, addressing the committee and a packed gallery of reporters. “Mr. Hegseth, a civilian with no official military authority, issued the order for a strike that resulted in significant casualties and international condemnation. This was not only reckless—it was unlawful.”

The committee heard from senior Pentagon officials who confirmed that the operation was carried out based on directives from a special task force, which had been consulting with Hegseth in an advisory capacity. However, internal communications revealed that Hegseth’s recommendations were interpreted as direct orders by the team on the ground. The resulting strike led to the destruction of the compound, but also to civilian injuries and diplomatic fallout with Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government immediately condemned the strike as “an act of aggression,” demanding reparations and threatening to bring the case before the United Nations. Human rights groups joined the chorus of criticism, citing the lack of due process and oversight.

Hegseth responded swiftly on his nightly broadcast, denying any wrongdoing and accusing Lieu and other lawmakers of politicizing national security. “I have always advocated for strong action against threats to America,” Hegseth said. “But I have never acted outside the bounds of the law or my advisory role.”

Lieu, however, stood firm. “The evidence is overwhelming,” he told reporters after the hearing. “We have emails, operational logs, and eyewitness accounts. Congress must act to ensure accountability and prevent further abuses of power.”

The White House released a brief statement, promising to cooperate with the Congressional investigation and reaffirming its commitment to lawful military conduct. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense announced an internal review of the chain of command and the procedures that led to the strike.

Legal experts weighed in, warning that the case could have far-reaching implications for civilian advisors and the oversight of covert operations. “If proven, this sets a dangerous precedent for civilians influencing military action without proper authority,” said Professor Maria Hernandez of Yale Law School.

Republican lawmakers urged caution, calling for a full review of the facts before drawing conclusions. “We must protect national security, but we must also uphold the rule of law,” said Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).

The House Armed Services Committee has scheduled further hearings to examine the evidence and hear testimony from additional witnesses. Advocacy groups are pressing for transparency and justice for those affected by the strike.

As the nation watches, the fate of Pete Hegseth and the future of civilian involvement in military operations hang in the balance. Congressman Lieu’s bombshell has opened a new chapter in the debate over war powers, accountability, and the limits of authority in American government.

Lieu Drops Bombshell: “Hegseth Ordered an Illegal Strike”

Washington, D.C. — Capitol Hill was rocked this week by explosive allegations from Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), who revealed in a public hearing that Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth was directly responsible for ordering a military strike deemed illegal under both U.S. and international law. The revelation has ignited a fierce debate over civilian involvement in military affairs, executive oversight, and the future of American foreign policy.

Lieu’s statement came during a special session of the House Armed Services Committee, convened to investigate a series of covert operations in the Caribbean and South America. According to classified documents and whistleblower testimony presented by Lieu, Hegseth played a central role in authorizing a drone strike on a suspected cartel compound in Venezuela—a move that bypassed Congressional approval and violated the War Powers Resolution.

“Let me be clear,” Lieu said, addressing the committee and a packed gallery of reporters. “Mr. Hegseth, a civilian with no official military authority, issued the order for a strike that resulted in significant casualties and international condemnation. This was not only reckless—it was unlawful.”

The committee heard from senior Pentagon officials who confirmed that the operation was carried out based on directives from a special task force, which had been consulting with Hegseth in an advisory capacity. However, internal communications revealed that Hegseth’s recommendations were interpreted as direct orders by the team on the ground. The resulting strike led to the destruction of the compound, but also to civilian injuries and diplomatic fallout with Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government immediately condemned the strike as “an act of aggression,” demanding reparations and threatening to bring the case before the United Nations. Human rights groups joined the chorus of criticism, citing the lack of due process and oversight.

Hegseth responded swiftly on his nightly broadcast, denying any wrongdoing and accusing Lieu and other lawmakers of politicizing national security. “I have always advocated for strong action against threats to America,” Hegseth said. “But I have never acted outside the bounds of the law or my advisory role.”

Lieu, however, stood firm. “The evidence is overwhelming,” he told reporters after the hearing. “We have emails, operational logs, and eyewitness accounts. Congress must act to ensure accountability and prevent further abuses of power.”

The White House released a brief statement, promising to cooperate with the Congressional investigation and reaffirming its commitment to lawful military conduct. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense announced an internal review of the chain of command and the procedures that led to the strike.

Legal experts weighed in, warning that the case could have far-reaching implications for civilian advisors and the oversight of covert operations. “If proven, this sets a dangerous precedent for civilians influencing military action without proper authority,” said Professor Maria Hernandez of Yale Law School.

Republican lawmakers urged caution, calling for a full review of the facts before drawing conclusions. “We must protect national security, but we must also uphold the rule of law,” said Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).

The House Armed Services Committee has scheduled further hearings to examine the evidence and hear testimony from additional witnesses. Advocacy groups are pressing for transparency and justice for those affected by the strike.

As the nation watches, the fate of Pete Hegseth and the future of civilian involvement in military operations hang in the balance. Congressman Lieu’s bombshell has opened a new chapter in the debate over war powers, accountability, and the limits of authority in American government.

Lieu Drops Bombshell: “Hegseth Ordered an Illegal Strike”

Washington, D.C. — Capitol Hill was rocked this week by explosive allegations from Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), who revealed in a public hearing that Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth was directly responsible for ordering a military strike deemed illegal under both U.S. and international law. The revelation has ignited a fierce debate over civilian involvement in military affairs, executive oversight, and the future of American foreign policy.

Lieu’s statement came during a special session of the House Armed Services Committee, convened to investigate a series of covert operations in the Caribbean and South America. According to classified documents and whistleblower testimony presented by Lieu, Hegseth played a central role in authorizing a drone strike on a suspected cartel compound in Venezuela—a move that bypassed Congressional approval and violated the War Powers Resolution.

“Let me be clear,” Lieu said, addressing the committee and a packed gallery of reporters. “Mr. Hegseth, a civilian with no official military authority, issued the order for a strike that resulted in significant casualties and international condemnation. This was not only reckless—it was unlawful.”

The committee heard from senior Pentagon officials who confirmed that the operation was carried out based on directives from a special task force, which had been consulting with Hegseth in an advisory capacity. However, internal communications revealed that Hegseth’s recommendations were interpreted as direct orders by the team on the ground. The resulting strike led to the destruction of the compound, but also to civilian injuries and diplomatic fallout with Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government immediately condemned the strike as “an act of aggression,” demanding reparations and threatening to bring the case before the United Nations. Human rights groups joined the chorus of criticism, citing the lack of due process and oversight.

Hegseth responded swiftly on his nightly broadcast, denying any wrongdoing and accusing Lieu and other lawmakers of politicizing national security. “I have always advocated for strong action against threats to America,” Hegseth said. “But I have never acted outside the bounds of the law or my advisory role.”

Lieu, however, stood firm. “The evidence is overwhelming,” he told reporters after the hearing. “We have emails, operational logs, and eyewitness accounts. Congress must act to ensure accountability and prevent further abuses of power.”

The White House released a brief statement, promising to cooperate with the Congressional investigation and reaffirming its commitment to lawful military conduct. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense announced an internal review of the chain of command and the procedures that led to the strike.

Legal experts weighed in, warning that the case could have far-reaching implications for civilian advisors and the oversight of covert operations. “If proven, this sets a dangerous precedent for civilians influencing military action without proper authority,” said Professor Maria Hernandez of Yale Law School.

Republican lawmakers urged caution, calling for a full review of the facts before drawing conclusions. “We must protect national security, but we must also uphold the rule of law,” said Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).

The House Armed Services Committee has scheduled further hearings to examine the evidence and hear testimony from additional witnesses. Advocacy groups are pressing for transparency and justice for those affected by the strike.

As the nation watches, the fate of Pete Hegseth and the future of civilian involvement in military operations hang in the balance. Congressman Lieu’s bombshell has opened a new chapter in the debate over war powers, accountability, and the limits of authority in American government.