New York Times Debunks War Crime Story By the Washington Post

Washington Post claimed that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the killing of survivors after a boat attack, suggesting a war crime occurred. The New York Times later debunked this claim, raising questions about the accuracy and motivations behind the original report.

1. Initial Claim by the Washington Post:

• The Washington Post reported that Secretary Hegseth ordered the execution of survivors during a military operation.

• This claim relied on a single anonymous source, leading to political and public outcry for legal actions against Hegseth.

2. Legal Context:

• Targeting survivors in such a manner would typically constitute a war crime, as was seen during World War II.

• However, wartime conditions complicate such allegations, and it is essential to wait for thorough investigations.

3. Subsequent Debunking by the New York Times:

• The New York Times provided additional sources stating that Hegseth did not give such orders.

• This debunking calls into question the credibility of the Washington Post’s reporting and highlights the challenges of accurate journalism in intense political climates.

4. Decision-Making in Warfare:

• The discussion included military decision-making regarding finishing shots on vessels during combat.

• Historical context shows that many countries may deliver finishing blows on vessels even when survivors are present, raising questions about legality and morality.

5. The Political Climate:

• The emergence of the Washington Post story coincided with increased scrutiny of Democratic officials over their comments on military orders, suggesting a timing related to political pressures.

• Analysts noted how the media can sometimes respond to political narratives rather than relying solely on factual reporting.

6. Trust in Media:

• Public trust in media is at an all-time low, with a significant percentage of people expressing distrust in traditional news outlets.

• Misleading reporting can damage the core values of journalism and the public's perception of the free press.

7. Comparative Analysis:

• The article draws comparisons with previous military orders, noting presidents' authority to carry out targeted killings.

• It emphasizes the distinction between targeting military objectives and individual targets.

The controversy surrounding the Washington Post's claim about Secretary Hegseth highlights significant issues in media accuracy, wartime legality, and political motivations. As investigations proceed, there is a need for both clarity on military rules of engagement and accountability within media reporting. This incident underscores the importance of critical evaluation of news sources, especially in politically charged environments. 

https://jonathanturley.org/2025/12/03/new-york-times-debunks-war-crime-story-by-the-washington-post/