Trump Defends Military Strikes, Criticizes Somali Immigrants in Meeting

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper defended a controversial military operation during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The operation involved strikes on a boat allegedly carrying drugs last September. A recent Washington Post report revealed that a follow-up strike killed two survivors of the initial attack. This detail has drawn criticism. Both Trump and Secretary Esper discussed their roles in authorizing the action. During the same meeting, President Trump made disparaging remarks about immigrants from Somalia. He did not provide evidence for his claims. The Pentagon has stated the operation was legal and necessary to combat drug trafficking. The incident remains under review by military investigators.