US Congressman Moves to Impeach Hegseth Over Military Operations, Including Caribbean Boat Killings

A deadly US military attack on a vessel between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela has come under renewed scrutiny after being cited in an effort to impeach US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie brought eight articles of impeachment before the House of Representatives on Monday, November 9, accusing Hegseth of abuses of power, including overseeing alleged extrajudicial killings during operations against suspected drug-trafficking vessels.

Among the incidents detailed in the resolution is a September 2, 2025, attack on a vessel carrying 11 people in waters between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the resolution, an initial strike destroyed and capsized the boat. It alleges that approximately 45 minutes later, a second strike killed two survivors who were clinging to the wreckage.

Massie alleges that the operation disregarded legal protections for shipwrecked survivors, including obligations to assist people left stranded at sea. The resolution presents the incident as part of a broader challenge to the administration’s use of military force against people suspected of drug trafficking.

The congressman also accuses Hegseth of weakening independent legal oversight within the Pentagon and permitting targeting standards that did not require confirmation that weapons or narcotics were aboard the vessels.

The allegations question whether the military unlawfully assumed the role of determining guilt and imposing lethal punishment without judicial proceedings.

The Trump administration has defended its maritime campaign as an operation against suspected drug traffickers and organisations it regards as threats to US national security. Critics have questioned both the legal basis for the strikes and the evidence supporting the targeting of those killed.

The impeachment effort extends beyond the Caribbean. Other articles concern military operations involving Iran, Yemen and Venezuela, as well as alleged failures to protect civilians and respect congressional authority over the use of force.

Hegseth rejected the effort on Tuesday, calling it a “farce” and defending his conduct. Massie said a procedural vote aimed at dismissing the resolution was expected that day, with debate on the impeachment articles dependent on that effort being defeated.

President Donald Trump has also backed his Defence Secretary, saying he would stand by Hegseth even if the House voted to impeach him. Impeachment would not automatically remove Hegseth from office; conviction and removal would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

For the Caribbean, the proceedings place fresh attention on lethal US operations near regional territories and the treatment of survivors following attacks on suspected trafficking vessels.