Members of the US Congress from both parties said Sunday they support a full congressional review into recent US military strikes on small vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, following reports that War Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order directing forces to kill all crew members aboard a targeted boat during a September 2 attack.

Hegseth has denied the allegation, calling it “fabricated” and “inflammatory", but lawmakers stressed that the reported conduct, if confirmed, would constitute a grave violation of international law.

Bipartisan concern over legality of the strikes

Lawmakers appeared on American Sunday political talk shows to voice unease over a Washington Post report last week on unlawful follow-on strikes against survivors of an initial missile attack on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel.

“This rises to the level of a war crime if it’s true,” said Democratic Senator Tim Kaine.

Republican Representative Mike Turner said Congress has not been given evidence supporting the claim but noted that both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have already launched investigations.

“Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act,” Turner said.

Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, also said the allegation must be thoroughly examined but voiced skepticism that Hegseth would have issued such an order. “Kill everybody, kill the survivors... that’s a clear violation of the law of war,” Bacon said.

“I’m very suspicious he would’ve done something like that,” he added.

Committee leaders from both chambers issued separate bipartisan statements over the weekend pledging “vigorous oversight” of US military operations in the region, particularly those conducted under US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

Read more: US faces outrage over killing of survivors in Caribbean strike

Trump says he will 'look into' the allegation

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, US President Donald Trump said his administration “will look into” the reported incident but insisted he did not believe Hegseth had issued an unlawful command.

“Pete said he did not order the death of those two men,” Trump said. “And I believe him.”

He added that he “wouldn’t have wanted” a second strike on survivors.

Hegseth, for his part, defended current US operations, insisting they remain “lawful under both US and international law.”

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.

As we’ve said from the beginning, and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically…

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 28, 2025

Trump confirms speaking with Maduro

Moreover, also speaking to reporters on board Air Force One, Trump confirmed that he had spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, without providing further details.

“I don’t want to comment on it. The answer is yes,” the US president said when asked if he had spoken with Maduro. 

The New York Times first reported Trump had spoken with Maduro earlier this month and discussed a possible meeting between them in the United States.

“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly. It was a phone call,” Trump said regarding the conversation.

The disclosure of the phone call arrives as Trump maintains aggressive rhetoric toward Venezuela, even as he considers diplomatic options.

On Saturday, Trump said the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety” but gave no further details, stirring anxiety and confusion in Caracas as his administration ramps up pressure on Maduro’s government.

When asked whether his airspace comments meant strikes against Venezuela were imminent, Trump said: “Don’t read anything into it.“

Broader escalation aimed at Venezuela

The controversy comes as the Trump administration expands its militarization of the Caribbean against what it falsely claims as drug-smuggling networks linked to the Venezuelan government.

On Saturday, Trump declared that airspace “above and surrounding” Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety,” a remark that prompted Caracas to denounce Washington for issuing a “colonial threat” and undermining Venezuelan sovereignty.

During his flight back to Washington from Florida on Sunday, Trump also confirmed that he recently spoke by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a call first reported by The New York Times.

“I wouldn’t say it went well or badly,” Trump told reporters, declining to provide additional details.

Read more: Trump’s 'strike' on Venezuela boat sparks legal, political concern