White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefs reporters on Monday, December 1, 2025. (White House YouTube capture)

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre strongly defended the administration's recent series of U.S. military airstrikes targeting groups designated as "narco-terrorist organizations" on Monday.

She stated that both President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth acted decisively within their legal authority.

At a White House briefing that day, Jean-Pierre delivered prepared remarks before taking reporters' questions.

She first emphasized the administration's position that organizations designated as narco-terrorist groups are legitimate targets for lethal force under the laws of war.

She said that President Trump and Secretary Hegseth made it clear they have the authority to use lethal force against groups smuggling illegal drugs into the United States, especially when they pose an immediate threat to American lives and national interests.

The announcement comes in the wake of a second attack on a Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel, which has recently become a subject of controversy. Congress has raised concerns that the second strike, occurring after the first missile strike on September 2nd while two survivors clung to debris, could constitute a war crime.

According to Jean-Pierre, Hegseth delegated operational authority to Admiral Mitch Bradley, commander of the Special Operations Command, who then ordered the strike in accordance with established legal frameworks.

"Admiral Bradley acted appropriately within his authority and the scope of the law," she stated, emphasizing that the operation ensured the destruction of the vessel and "eliminated a threat to the United States."

Jean-Pierre characterized the administration's aggressive stance as a necessary response to the record-high levels of drugs entering the U.S.

She cited the "catastrophic levels" of fentanyl trafficking from previous administrations, arguing that the current strategy, characterized by dynamic military operations, is not only justified but also has the support of the American people.

"This is one of the many reasons why the American people re-elected this president," Jean-Pierre said, linking public support to the administration's tough stance on drug-related threats.

During a question-and-answer session, Jean-Pierre refuted reports that Hegseth issued an order for "everyone be killed," firmly rejecting the characterization.

However, she reaffirmed the president's position that lethal force is permissible against individuals involved in drug smuggling activities that threaten the American people.

"The president has made it clear that narco-terrorists have the authority to be killed if they are shipping drugs into the United States," she said.

By Hong Seong-gu, Chief Reporter, NNP USA / Special Correspondent for this newspaper NNP info@newsandpost.com