US lawmakers are trying to pressure the Trump administration to release video of a controversial 'double-tap' military strike by limiting Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget. The incident on 2 September, in which the US carried out a second deadly strike on a boat in the Caribbean, has raised questions about the legality of Trump's campaign targeting alleged drug-carrying vessels.
A provision buried in a defense spending policy would restrict travel funds for Hegseth's office until the Pentagon hands over unedited footage. The bill is expected to pass with bipartisan support.
US President Donald Trump has stated that the release of the video is a decision for Hegseth. However, Trump has also denied making previous assertions indicating no issue with the footage's public release, despite that comment being made on camera.
Amid the growing urgency, Congressional leaders from both parties are demanding clarity on the use of this military tactic. The draft bill, which aims to approve nearly $901 billion in defense spending, contains specific language that restricts Hegseth's office expenses until they comply with demands for transparency regarding military operations.
The controversial double-tap incident involved a second strike on a boat that had survivors from the first strike, raising further scrutiny regarding the legality of the action under international laws of armed conflict.
With deep divisions over the appropriateness of such tactics, many lawmakers are calling for more accountability and clarity regarding military actions while the Trump administration defends the strikes as necessary actions against drug trafficking operations.
A provision buried in a defense spending policy would restrict travel funds for Hegseth's office until the Pentagon hands over unedited footage. The bill is expected to pass with bipartisan support.
US President Donald Trump has stated that the release of the video is a decision for Hegseth. However, Trump has also denied making previous assertions indicating no issue with the footage's public release, despite that comment being made on camera.
Amid the growing urgency, Congressional leaders from both parties are demanding clarity on the use of this military tactic. The draft bill, which aims to approve nearly $901 billion in defense spending, contains specific language that restricts Hegseth's office expenses until they comply with demands for transparency regarding military operations.
The controversial double-tap incident involved a second strike on a boat that had survivors from the first strike, raising further scrutiny regarding the legality of the action under international laws of armed conflict.
With deep divisions over the appropriateness of such tactics, many lawmakers are calling for more accountability and clarity regarding military actions while the Trump administration defends the strikes as necessary actions against drug trafficking operations.
