Americans deserve the truth.

On September 2, the U.S. military conducted two deadly strikes on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean. The second strike reportedly killed survivors of the first — and now, both the public and members of Congress are demanding answers.

But instead of transparency, we’ve been met with silence.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has so far refused to release unedited video of the strikes, despite bipartisan concern that the second strike may have violated the rules of war. Even President Trump, who previously said he had “no problem” with the release, now says it’s “up to Hegseth.”

This is not how democratic oversight works.

The Pentagon claims the people killed were “legitimate targets.” But without the full, unedited video — not summaries, not stills, not press statements — the American people cannot evaluate those claims. Congress cannot perform its oversight duties. And accountability is impossible.

Now, lawmakers are fighting back: a new provision in the annual defense policy bill would limit Hegseth’s travel budget until the video is released. That’s a step in the right direction — but it shouldn’t take budget threats to force transparency on a matter of life and death.

We call on the U.S. Department of Defense and Secretary Pete Hegseth to immediately:

• Release the unedited video footage of the September 2 strikes to Congress and the public
• Clarify the legal and intelligence justifications for the second strike
• Commit to full transparency around any civilian or noncombatant casualties in military operations.

Eighty-six people have been killed in recent boat strikes — and we’re still being asked to trust the government’s word without proof.

That’s not oversight. That’s opacity. And it’s unacceptable.

Add your name if you believe the American public has the right to see the truth.

Photo:  NBC