Hegseth: U.S. backs commanders in strikes on alleged drug vessels

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a cabinet meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 2, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

WASHINGTON, Dec 2 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that the administration backs the decisions of its commanders amidattacks against alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessels.

Hegseth, speaking at a Cabinet meeting alongside President Donald Trump, said the U.S. has paused strikes because it's hard to find drug boats in the waters now. But strikes against drug traffickers will continue, he said.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt)