Hegseth defends Trump's drug boat strikes, compares to terror war

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's authority to strike drug cartel boats, comparing the campaign to the war on terror.
• Hegseth stated Trump can take military action "as he sees fit" to defend the nation, despite criticism over international law violations and over 80 casualties.
• He also discussed checking China's rise through strength and Trump's vow to resume nuclear testing.
• Hegseth criticized past Republican leaders for Middle East wars and rejected climate change as a military readiness concern.
• The remarks were made at the Reagan National Defense Forum, where Hegseth positioned Trump as Reagan's "true and rightful heir" in foreign policy.

Why It Matters: It signals a controversial shift in US military doctrine and foreign policy.