US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has been accused of forcing a senior four-star admiral to step down after the officer raised serious legal concerns about deadly military strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.
Clash Over 'Murky' Legality of Lethal Strikes
The controversy centres on Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of US Southern Command. According to reports, Hegseth asked for Holsey's resignation one year into his tenure following "months of discord" between the two men. The core of their disagreement was the legality of an operation involving lethal strikes on alleged drug-running boats.
Admiral Holsey was reportedly troubled by the "murky" legal standing of the mission. He also expressed concerns that parts of the operation were being conducted outside of his direct chain of command. In contrast, Secretary Hegseth is said to have grown increasingly frustrated with what he perceived as Holsey's slow pace in executing the strategy.
The tension reportedly culminated in Hegseth telling the admiral, "You're either on the team or you're not." This ultimatum preceded Holsey's departure from his post.
Shock Over 'Extraordinary' Move Amid Escalation
The reported demand for a four-star military chief to resign in the middle of an ongoing and escalating military operation has sent shockwaves through Washington. Lawmakers and military experts have described it as an "extraordinary move" that threatens to undermine military command structures and non-partisan oversight.
The fallout comes at a highly sensitive time for Hegseth. He is already facing severe criticism and formal investigations over the very strikes that caused the rift with Admiral Holsey. The Caribbean operation has resulted in the deaths of over 80 people.
Most explosively, Hegseth is under investigation for allegedly ordering forces to "kill everybody" during a specific strike on a Venezuelan boat. These allegations have led to accusations of potential war crimes being levelled against the Defence Secretary.
Broader Implications for Military Conduct and Oversight
This incident raises profound questions about civilian oversight of the military and the pressure on uniformed leaders to comply with politically-driven directives, even when legal doubts exist. The forced departure of a senior commander for voicing caution sets a concerning precedent.
The report, detailing events from Thursday, 4 December 2025, suggests the discord was a direct result of the Trump administration's hardline approach to drug interdiction. The controversy continues to unfold as investigations into the conduct of the strikes proceed.
For the US defence establishment, the episode represents a significant crisis, highlighting a deep clash between operational expediency and the strict adherence to legal and ethical standards of engagement.
