Pete Hegseth: “It's a new day, and so those 11 drug traffickers are no longer with us, sending a very clear signal that this is an…”

Standalone Article II authorities exist for us to conduct this operation on behalf of the defense of the American people.

It is a day and night difference. Training, lethality, accountability, discipline, readiness — the bedrock of what it means to be an American warrior — is the only focus of our department. Colorblind, gender-neutral, merit-based. That’s it.

What they do in those high seas in those austere conditions with less port calls — it's incredible.

Without extra money from Congress, the department would face critical shortfalls that threaten our ability to pay our service members, rapidly replenish equipment and munitions, and sustain vital operations without disruption.