US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth compelled a senior Navy admiral to resign after the military leader voiced serious concerns about the legality of lethal strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, according to a new report.
A Clash of Command and Conscience
The sudden departure of Admiral Alvin Holsey, who was just one year into his role leading US Southern Command, was announced by Hegseth on 16 October. This command oversees all American military operations in the Caribbean region.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the move followed "months of discord" between the two men, which escalated dramatically last summer. The tension coincided with the Trump administration's initiation of a bombing campaign targeting boats allegedly used for drug smuggling.
During a meeting earlier this year, Hegseth allegedly told the 60-year-old four-star admiral, "You're either on the team or you're not." He reportedly added, "When you get an order, you move out fast and don't ask questions."
Legal Worries and a 'Shocking' Departure
Admiral Holsey's primary objection centred on the "murky" legal standing of the Caribbean operation. He also reportedly protested that elements of the mission fell outside his direct chain of command, as other involved military units answered to separate authorities.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, had reportedly grown frustrated with what he perceived as Holsey's insufficient speed in confronting Caribbean drug traffickers. According to the report, Hegseth's confidence in the admiral had eroded even before the strikes began.
The conflict reached its peak in early October during a confrontation at the Pentagon. Holsey has not publicly disclosed his reasons for stepping down but stated he would retire on 12 December.
The move has sent shockwaves through political and defence circles. Todd Robinson, a former assistant secretary for international narcotics, called it "shocking" to remove the commander at the height of an operation the Pentagon deems crucial.
Representative Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, echoed this astonishment, stating he could not recall a combatant commander leaving so early amid such turmoil in over two decades on the committee.
Mounting Controversy and Accusations
The admiral's forced exit adds to a growing storm of controversy around Hegseth's handling of the Caribbean strikes, which have reportedly killed more than 80 people and intensified US-Venezuela tensions.
Hegseth now faces accusations of "war crimes" from some quarters. This follows a Washington Post report alleging he gave an order to "kill everybody" during the first strike on a Venezuelan boat in September. Hegseth has vehemently denied this, labelling the claims as "fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory."
Furthermore, Hegseth is managing fallout from a classified Inspector General's report. It found he risked endangering US troops by sharing highly sensitive operational details in a Signal group chat earlier this year.
In response to the escalating situation, bipartisan groups of lawmakers have announced they are launching investigations into the follow-up strikes and the overall Caribbean operation. The Pentagon previously dismissed reports of tension between Hegseth and Holsey as "fake news," with a spokesperson insisting there was "no hesitation or concerns about this mission."
