Trump administration latest: US push for Ukraine deal stalls as tensions with Venezuela mount

Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called for subpoenaing all records relating to the “double-tap” strike on an alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean, voicing concern about the preservation of the documents.

He said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth “has to be held responsible” for issuing the order. CNN has reported that, before the operation, Hegseth ordered the military to ensure the strike killed everyone on board, but it’s not clear whether he knew there were survivors before the second strike, one of the sources said. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that neither he nor Hegseth knew about the follow-up strike.

Blumenthal also criticized Hegseth for placing the blame on Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, arguing the Pentagon chief should take responsibility for the action.

Meantime, Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker wouldn’t say whether he has confidence in Hegseth amid several controversies, including new revelations about him sending war plans in group chats with a journalist.

On US-Russia talks: Blumenthal cast doubt on the Trump administration’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing worry that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were on a “fool’s errand that is designed simply to give Putin more time to stonewall us.”

This post has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Alison Main and Manu Raju contributed reporting.