The Impressive TimesFox News host Pete Hegseth has asserted that former U.S. President Donald Trump would have the authority to use force “as he sees fit” in response to alleged cartel boat strikes, a claim that has stirred debate over presidential war powers and border security policy.
The remarks followed reports of suspected cartel-linked boats allegedly targeting U.S. assets, raising concerns about escalating violence along the southern border. Hegseth, known for his strong support of Trump’s national security stance, argued that the situation represents a direct threat requiring “swift and decisive action.”
He maintained that Trump, if in office, would not hesitate to deploy military capabilities against cartel groups, suggesting that such action falls squarely within the president’s constitutional powers. “When Americans or U.S. infrastructure are threatened, the commander-in-chief has every right to respond with force,” Hegseth said during a Fox News segment.
Legal experts, however, have pointed out that any offensive action outside U.S. borders may require congressional authorization unless the threat is imminent. Critics warn that unilateral military strikes could escalate tensions with Mexico and complicate diplomatic relations.
The alleged cartel boat attacks themselves remain under investigation, with U.S. authorities yet to confirm the full details. Nonetheless, the discussion has reignited political debates around border militarization, national security, and the limits of presidential power.
As the 2024 political climate continues to intensify, Hegseth’s comments add fuel to the broader narrative surrounding Trump’s hardline approach to border-related threats — an issue poised to remain central in the national discourse.
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