Trump says he believes Hegseth '100%' on Venezuelan drug boat strike denial amid allegations
President Donald Trump on Sunday defended Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over allegations he ordered a second strike on a Venezuelan drug boat.
The exchange came during a gaggle aboard Air Force One as reporters pressed Trump on claims that Hegseth authorized a second strike that allegedly killed two wounded men.
Trump repeatedly said Hegseth denied giving such an order. He added that he was aware of the allegation.
But stressed that Hegseth told him the claim was untrue and that he accepted that explanation without hesitation.
Reporters asked Trump whether he would have approved a second strike if Hegseth had ordered one.
Trump said he planned to seek additional information about the reported incident but reiterated that Hegseth assured him nothing improper happened.
"No, I wouldn’t have wanted that. Not a second strike," Trump said.