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Hegseth Pressed Admiral Holsey to Retire After He Raised Legal Concerns Over Caribbean Boat Strikes

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth asked Admiral Alvin Holsey to retire in October after Holsey raised legal concerns about lethal strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, Pentagon officials say. The officials characterized the move as a "de facto ouster" after months of discord. Holsey reportedly worried about unclear legal authority and operations outside his control, while Hegseth suspected leaks and said he had lost confidence. The situation remains under development.

12:56 PM, 12/04/2025Security
Hegseth Pressed Admiral Holsey to Retire After He Raised Legal Concerns Over Caribbean Boat Strikes

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth privately asked U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey to retire in October after Holsey raised questions about the legality of lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean, Pentagon officials said. Officials described the request as a "de facto ouster" that followed months of tension between the two leaders.

Admiral Holsey, who commanded U.S. Southern Command, reportedly objected that parts of the operations had uncertain legal authority and in some cases fell outside his direct control. Those concerns, officials said, centered on whether the strikes complied with applicable legal standards and command arrangements.

"You’re either on the team or you’re not. When you get an order, you move out fast and don’t ask questions,"

Hegseth is reported to have told Holsey that sentiment during discussions about the retirement. Pentagon officials also said Hegseth suspected Holsey might have been the source of media leaks and had lost confidence in his leadership, prompting a desire to replace him even before the boat strikes began.

Holsey's retirement was announced shortly after these exchanges. The accounts come from unnamed Pentagon officials and are being reported as developing.

Note: This article summarizes accounts provided by Pentagon sources and reflects information available at the time of publication.

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