Progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has launched a furious critique of closed-door briefings held for US lawmakers regarding controversial military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, branding the sessions a "joke".
A 'Communication of Opinion,' Not Intelligence
In a sharp exchange with journalists on Tuesday 17 December 2025, the New York Democrat made her profound dissatisfaction clear. When asked if she was satisfied with the answers provided in the classified briefings, Ocasio-Cortez responded, "Oh, hell no." She elaborated forcefully, stating the briefing lacked any substantive intelligence compared to updates on Ukraine or China.
"This was not a serious intelligence briefing. This was a communication of opinion," she declared, adding a stark warning to the administration: "if this administration wants to go to war, they need to go get it from Congress."
Pentagon Refuses Public Release of 'Double-Tap' Strike Video
The briefings, led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focused on a series of US strikes targeting boats suspected of carrying narcotics. A particularly contentious incident occurred on 2 September, involving a "double-tap" strike—a second attack on a vessel after an initial hit.
This September strike killed 11 people, including two individuals who had survived the first explosion. Despite mounting pressure, Secretary Hegseth confirmed the Pentagon would not release the unedited video of that attack to the public, citing longstanding policy on top-secret material.
"In keeping with longstanding [Pentagon] policy, of course we're not going to release a top-secret, full, unedited video of that to the general public," Hegseth stated. He indicated that only members of the House and Senate Armed Services committees would be permitted to view the footage.
Broad Democratic Criticism and Legal Justifications
Dissatisfaction was not limited to Ocasio-Cortez. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also expressed disappointment, accusing administration officials of arriving "empty-handed." He argued for greater transparency, stating, "All senators are entitled to see it... I also believe every American should see an appropriate version." Schumer described the footage he saw as "deeply troubling" and voiced concerns about stumbling into another endless war.
These criticisms stand in contrast to the administration's firm stance. Officials maintain that the two dozen strikes carried out are legally justified. This position is supported by a formal notice to Congress declaring the US to be in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, whose members the president has labelled "unlawful combatants." To date, the Trump administration's strikes have resulted in at least 95 fatalities.
The official who authorised the lethal second strike on 2 September, Admiral Frank M. "Mitch" Bradley, has also addressed lawmakers in separate closed-door sessions this month.
