Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton on Wednesday became the latest House Democrat to level war crimes accusations against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing the administration’s lethal campaign against alleged drug-running vessels in the Caribbean. The charges come as the U.S. military intensifies operations under Operation Southern Sphere, a mission that has killed at least 186 people since early September.
In a CNN appearance with anchor Erin Burnett, Moulton did not mince words when asked whether Hegseth was guilty of war crimes. “Absolutely,” he said, arguing that the strikes lack credible evidence that those targeted were involved in narcotics trafficking. “He’s clearly behind the operation to shoot all these boats in the Caribbean when it’s very unclear that we actually have any confirmation that these so-called narco terrorists, a term the administration invented to justify this action, are even on the boats,” Moulton said. He added that press reports indicate many victims were likely fishermen trying to support their families.
The strikes, which began in September, have drawn mounting criticism from Democrats. Moulton specifically condemned a “double tap” attack where U.S. forces struck survivors clinging to wreckage. “Back in World War II, the Allies tried Nazi submarine captains for doing this exact same thing. And guess what the conclusion was? They got executed,” he said, directly addressing Hegseth. Reports at the time indicated Hegseth wanted to ensure no survivors remained.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the operations, asserting that commanders followed orders to eliminate threats. In response to the September double-tap incident, she stated that Admiral Frank Bradley acted to “guarantee the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.” However, the administration has not provided public evidence linking those on the boats to drug trafficking.
The accusations arrive as Hegseth faces intense scrutiny on Capitol Hill. He testified before House lawmakers on Wednesday in a contentious session that also touched on Iran war costs and the firing of the Army chief. On Thursday, he is scheduled to appear before the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to grill him on the Iran conflict and Pentagon firings.
Earlier this month, a group of House Democrats filed articles of impeachment against Hegseth, accusing him of war crimes related to the ongoing Iran war. Moulton’s remarks amplify that push, aligning with broader Democratic efforts to curb the administration’s military actions through a sixth War Powers vote. The controversy underscores the deepening partisan divide over the use of force and the definition of lawful combat in modern conflict.
