On Sept. 2 in waters off Trinidad , U.S. forces struck a vessel with 11 suspected drug smugglers, leaving two survivors. A Washington Post report, citing officials, says a commander followed Hegseth's directive to ' kill everybody ,' prompting concerns from legal experts and bipartisan lawmakers about possible Geneva Conventions violations. Hegseth denies the claims as fabricated and lawful, with President Trump offering full support, while Congress pushes for Pentagon records amid ongoing investigations. Hegseth later shared a mocking image of Franklin the Turtle in combat gear targeting drug boats.