Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing one of his toughest tests yet over boat strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific. Read more in today’s WSJ Politics newsletter:

The publisher of the Franklin the Turtle children's book series has condemned a recent online post by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that depicted the character in a violent context. This condemnation highlights concerns over the appropriateness of using children's characters in controversial political discourse.

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.'

The publisher of 'Franklin the Turtle' has condemned U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his unauthorized use of the beloved children's character in a meme that targets narco-terrorists. This condemnation highlights concerns over the appropriateness of depicting a children's character in a violent context.

John Yoo, the author of the Torture Memos, criticized the Trump administration's military strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, asserting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated the U.S. law of war manual by allegedly ordering troops to 'kill everybody' on board. Yoo emphasized that soldiers should not have obeyed such orders, highlighting the legal and ethical implications of these actions.

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.

House Democrats and Republicans are engaged in discussions to enhance personal security measures for lawmakers, focusing on the establishment of dedicated staff positions and improved safety protocols. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about the safety of Congress members amid rising tensions in the political landscape.

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.'