Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attends a Mexican Border Defense Medal presentation at the White House on Tuesday. Under Hegseth’s watch, the U.S. military strikes on boats off Venezuela’s coast have killed at least 95 people.

U.S. boat strikes have killed at least 95 people, with three attacks ordered on Monday by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth adding to an already catastrophic toll. This is no longer reckless incompetence; it is a lethal and climbing civilian death toll.

Hegseth should resign or be removed as secretary of defense. Not tomorrow, not after another investigation. Now. 

For over two centuries, the biggest threats to our national security have come from abroad. Today, the most destabilizing force endangering our military, our institutions and our global credibility is right here at home. The self-proclaimed “Secretary of War” — an obvious embarrassment at the time of his confirmation — aspired to meet the lowest bar of competency and failed. His incompetence has devolved into dangerousness.  

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Every day Hegseth remains in command of the world’s most powerful military, American service members, the rule of law and our national security are at risk. 

The unprecedented combination of recklessness and ineptitude Hegseth has displayed as defense secretary should disqualify........

© San Francisco Chronicle