Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) publicly broke ranks with a top Trump administration official on Capitol Hill this week, calling for the release of a highly sensitive military video tied to U.S. anti-drug operations overseas.
The sharp exchange unfolded after a classified briefing for lawmakers led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The briefing focused on recent U.S. military strikes involving an alleged drug-smuggling vessel, including a controversial second strike that targeted survivors.
Moments after Hegseth told reporters the video would not be released to the public, Graham openly disagreed.
Graham Pushes Back on Secrecy
When CNN’s Manu Raju asked why the footage should remain classified, Graham made his position clear.
“I think it should be released,” Graham said, adding that every member of Congress should be allowed to review the video and decide for themselves.
Pressed further on whether he accepted Hegseth’s explanation that the footage contains sensitive national security information, Graham appeared visibly irritated.
“Release it. Make your own decisions,” Graham said. “This is lawful.”
Graham Defends Trump-Era Military Action
While Graham has strongly supported aggressive action against international drug trafficking networks, he made clear that transparency matters—especially when critics are accusing the military of wrongdoing.
Graham compared the current situation to past U.S. military operations, noting that Congress did not accuse American commanders of war crimes during the U.S. invasion of Panama under President George H.W. Bush.
“What’s happening now is no different than what past administrations have done,” Graham argued, pushing back against what many conservatives see as politically motivated outrage.
Graham has also been outspoken in calling for tougher action against Venezuela’s socialist regime and longtime strongman Nicolás Maduro, whom he has blamed for fueling regional instability and drug trafficking.
Pentagon Stands Firm
Earlier in the day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the administration’s decision to keep the footage classified.
Hegseth said members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will be allowed to view the unedited video in a secure setting alongside senior military leadership. However, he emphasized that releasing a top-secret military recording to the general public would violate long-standing Department of Defense policy.
“We’re proud of what we’re doing,” Hegseth said, stressing that the administration stands by the military’s actions while balancing transparency with national security.
Growing Tensions on Capitol Hill
The dispute highlights rising tensions within Republican ranks as lawmakers weigh national security concerns against calls for accountability and openness.
For President Donald Trump’s administration, the episode underscores a familiar challenge: defending decisive military action while navigating media scrutiny and political pressure from Washington insiders.
As debates over transparency, classified information, and executive authority continue, this clash between Graham and Trump officials is unlikely to be the last.