Tempers Fly Between Hegseth And CNN
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed back forcefully this week after a CNN reporter questioned the cost of the U.S. operation in Venezuela, accusing the network of selectively scrutinizing missions that take place closer to home.
Speaking Wednesday following a classified briefing on Capitol Hill, Hegseth argued that the media routinely ignores the cost of U.S. military operations overseas — but suddenly raises concerns when American forces act in the Western Hemisphere.
According to Hegseth, U.S. military deployments in regions such as the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Indo-Pacific rarely spark taxpayer cost debates. He said that changed once the United States launched a counter-cartel and law-enforcement-focused mission aimed at restoring order in Venezuela.
Administration Defends Mission as Strategic and Necessary
Hegseth described the operation as a major national security success, saying it advanced U.S. interests while targeting criminal networks linked to narcotics trafficking. He criticized what he characterized as media attempts to downplay the results of the mission by focusing narrowly on expenses rather than outcomes.
His comments followed a closed-door briefing with lawmakers alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where officials discussed the administration’s broader plan for stabilizing Venezuela after the collapse of Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
Oil Plan Intended to Offset Costs, Officials Say
During the briefing, administration officials reportedly outlined plans to manage between 30 million and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, which would be sold on the open market. Proceeds from those sales would be placed under U.S. oversight.
President Donald Trump later confirmed the agreement, stating that the revenue would be directed in a way that benefits both the Venezuelan people and the United States — while avoiding new burdens on American taxpayers.
Secretary Rubio emphasized Wednesday that the strategy is designed so U.S. involvement does not require direct taxpayer funding, arguing that the resource-based approach offsets operational costs.
Democrats Push Back With Funding Restrictions
Despite assurances from the administration, Democrats have criticized the intervention and are exploring ways to limit future actions. Some lawmakers have proposed amendments to upcoming defense spending legislation that would restrict funding for military operations related to Venezuela.
Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia said Democrats plan to pursue limits through the appropriations process, arguing Congress should play a greater role in decisions involving overseas military engagement.
Republicans, however, have pushed back, saying the mission was lawful, strategically sound, and focused on protecting U.S. national security interests closer to home.
Broader Debate Over U.S. Leadership Abroad
As Washington debates next steps, supporters of the administration argue the operation demonstrates renewed American leadership, a tougher stance on narco-terrorism, and a willingness to act decisively in the Western Hemisphere.
They also note that securing stability in Venezuela has long-term implications for border security, drug trafficking, and economic stability — issues that resonate strongly with American voters.
