New details emerged Thursday night explaining the sudden resignation of Admiral James Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
CNN’s Zachary Cohen reported that Holsey’s departure followed a fierce internal clash with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The tension had reportedly been simmering for weeks, centered on how aggressively the U.S. military should combat drug traffickers operating in the Caribbean.
CNN reported that Hegseth repeatedly criticized Holsey for not moving quickly or forcefully enough and complained that SOUTHCOM was not providing the information he needed on ongoing operations.
“Hegseth pushed for a more aggressive approach and greater transparency on operations, but Holsey resisted,” said one defense official familiar quoted in the report.
At the same time, SOUTHCOM leaders expressed concern that some of the pressure from Hegseth risked pushing operations beyond legal boundaries, potentially violating U.S. and international law.
The Pentagon has not officially explained Holsey’s sudden resignation, which was announced earlier today without warning.