Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro thinks Americans aren’t really paying attention to the controversy around Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He said the whole situation is just a political distraction before the 2026 midterm elections. He said clearly that he doesn’t think people “care very much” about the reported problems involving the secretary.
According to The Hill, Shapiro explained why this story keeps appearing in the news. He blamed the Democratic party for focusing so heavily on it. “I’m wondering why Democrats are homing in on this, except possibly as a way to elevate somebody like a Mark Kelly for 2028 or to piggyback on the argument that they were making two weeks ago that illegal military orders are being given and that people need to refuse those illegal military orders,” he said.
The controversy centers on Hegseth’s judgment during strikes on a boat in the Caribbean in September. Lawmakers questioned his decisions based on early reports. Those reports claimed Hegseth ordered the strike crew to “kill everybody” on the boat, which supposedly carried “narco-terrorists.”
The conflicting reports make the whole story hard to follow
Shapiro pointed out that the stories are wildly conflicting, which is why the public is tuning out. He noted the original Washington Post story suggested a possible war crime. But the New York Times report “basically denies the Washington Post report.” This back-and-forth makes it hard for regular people to follow or care. Some critics argue this pattern reflects how the justice system gets weaponized for political purposes.
The most serious claim was about a “double tap.” This means Hegseth supposedly ordered a strike on a boat and then ordered another strike after survivors were already in the water. Attacking survivors who are out of combat would be a major ethical and legal violation.
But the evidence is weak. Shapiro said the New York Times stated there’s “no evidence that he ordered a second strike.” Navy Admiral Frank Bradley, who oversaw the September 2 strikes, briefed lawmakers on Thursday. Admiral Bradley clearly denied that Hegseth ever ordered his people to “kill everybody” on the boat. A Democrat lawmaker who received the briefing found the commander’s testimony deeply troubling. Hegseth says he wasn’t even in the room after the first strike.
Shapiro concluded by saying the entire debate seems pointless given the conflicting evidence and lack of public interest.
He added, “It does feel like a distraction from other things.” ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, who appeared on the show with Shapiro, offered another angle. Smith thinks President Trump’s focus on Venezuela and its leader Maduro is a smart political move.
He believes Trump is comparing Maduro to the Democratic Party to create fear about Democrats’ ability to handle economic issues before the midterm elections.
Published: Dec 5, 2025 02:15 pm