‘Never takes accountability’: Democratic lawmaker says Hegseth is scapegoating military officer, and the reason why is explosive

Democratic Representative Seth Moulton is accusing the Trump administration of blaming Navy Admiral Frank Bradley for a controversial September airstrike in the Caribbean. The Trump administration is trying to make Admiral Bradley the scapegoat, according to Moulton.

According to HuffPost, the controversy centers on a military operation against a suspected Venezuelan drug boat. After the first airstrike hit the vessel, a second strike targeted survivors clinging to the wreckage. Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, said that the administration is deliberately throwing Admiral Bradley under the bus to avoid responsibility.

“That’s exactly what’s going on,” Moulton said. “This administration has no respect for our uniformed services. We’ve known that from the very beginning, and that’s exactly what they’re showing right now.” The White House is telling a different story, however.

The White House is shifting blame to protect Hegseth

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed on Monday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth didn’t even know the second strike was happening. She quickly pointed to Admiral Bradley, saying he worked within his authority when he decided to finish off the already-hit boat.

But Leavitt’s version contradicts a Washington Post report. That report suggests Admiral Bradley was following an order from Secretary Hegseth himself. According to the Post, Hegseth allegedly ordered the military to “kill everybody.” If true, this detail completely changes who made the final decision.

Secretary Hegseth has tried to control the damage, but his comments have been confusing. He posted on X Monday night supporting Admiral Bradley while also hinting that Bradley decided on the second strike. “I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made, on the September 2 mission and all others since,” Hegseth wrote, giving Bradley his “100% support.” This pattern of deflecting responsibility mirrors Trump’s recent accusations against Democratic lawmakers.

The next day, Hegseth told reporters at the White House that he did not stick around to see the outcome of the second strike. This statement doesn’t clarify whether he gave the initial order or not.

President Trump also commented on the controversy. Speaking with reporters on Air Force One Sunday, Trump said he wouldn’t have wanted a second strike. He also said he believed Hegseth did not say the words the Washington Post reported.

Critics have pointed out that Trump’s defensive responses to criticism often follow this pattern. For Moulton, these conflicting statements reveal a bigger problem. He stressed that Hegseth “never takes accountability for his own actions.” Moulton said everyone must answer for military actions, including the Secretary of Defense and the commander-in-chief.