Trump eyes next steps with Venezuela as lawmakers raise alarms about boat strikes

The White House has distanced itself from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding allegations that he ordered military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board. A spokesperson clarified that while Hegseth gave the order for strikes, he did not instruct to 'kill everybody.'

House Republican leaders are set to address reporters amid growing scrutiny over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's military orders regarding strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has maintained that congressional approval is not necessary for these operations, particularly as tensions with Venezuela escalate.

A recent report indicates that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean on September 2 but did not instruct the killing of any survivors from the attack. This clarification comes amid allegations that he directed a broader lethal operation against all individuals aboard the vessel.

A shooting incident near the White House critically injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard, with the suspect identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national. In response, Tom Homan, a prominent figure in Trump's immigration policy, challenged Democrats to confront him while dismissing concerns about potential prosecution.

President Trump convened his Cabinet amid controversy surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's involvement in military strikes in the Caribbean that resulted in the deaths of survivors from a previous attack. Hegseth reportedly directed the mission to eliminate all individuals on board, which he later denied, calling the allegations 'fake news.'

Republican demands for stronger anti-abortion provisions in the extension of enhanced ObamaCare subsidies have emerged as a significant hurdle in bipartisan negotiations, complicating the GOP's health care agenda. This situation reflects the ongoing tensions within the party regarding health care policy and abortion rights.

President Trump has emphasized comments made by former Attorney General Eric Holder, labeling him an 'Obama sycophant,' while urging Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster. This move is part of Trump's ongoing strategy to influence legislative processes amid concerns over potential Democratic actions to expand the Supreme Court.

A mass shooting in San Bernardino a decade ago resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, leaving survivors and victims' families grappling with the aftermath and its national implications. This tragic event has been pivotal in shaping discussions around immigration policy in the United States, particularly during the Trump administration.