A majority of the American public now believes President Donald Trump should dismiss his Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, following revelations about a controversial military operation in the Caribbean, according to a new poll.
Poll Reveals Public Outcry Over Controversial Strikes
The survey, conducted by JL Partners for the Daily Mail between December 3 and 5, found that 54 percent of respondents think Hegseth should be fired for his recent actions heading the Pentagon. Only 26 percent believe he should keep his job, with 20 percent unsure.
When the undecided voters are removed from the equation, the figure demanding Hegseth's removal rises to a substantial 63 percent. The poll was taken after details emerged of a second missile strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug vessel, an action that has sparked allegations of war crimes.
The September Incident and Escalating Controversy
The controversy centres on an operation on September 2, 2025. A U.S. missile strike in the Caribbean Sea targeted a speedboat alleged by the Trump administration to be transporting cocaine to the United States. The initial strike disabled the vessel and killed most people on board.
However, two survivors were subsequently observed clinging to the wreckage and were thought to be attempting to radio for help. A second missile strike was then ordered, which killed them. This follow-up attack is the core of the legal and ethical firestorm.
Bipartisan voices in Congress and numerous international law experts warn that targeting these hors de combat individuals—people out of action due to injury—constitutes a potential war crime, violating the Geneva Conventions and other statutes.
Political Fallout and the Blame Game
The political divisions are stark. While nearly 80 percent of Democrats want Hegseth removed, approximately three-quarters of Republicans still support the former Fox News host retaining his cabinet position. Despite the public relations crisis, the poll indicated continued support for the administration's anti-narcoterrorism stance, with nearly half of respondents backing such operations.
Secretary Hegseth, who authorised the overall mission including contingency plans, has denied issuing specific 'kill everybody' orders. The White House and Pentagon have seemingly pointed the finger at the on-scene commander, Admiral Frank Bradley, stating he made the decision to launch the second strike based on a perceived ongoing threat.
President Trump has expressed personal discomfort with the second strike, claiming he "wouldn't have wanted that," but has publicly affirmed his trust in both Hegseth's leadership and Admiral Bradley's judgement. The President has also signalled a desire to escalate actions against the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro, even suggesting future U.S. land strikes within the country could be possible.
