"Just weeks after the Trump administration's likely illegal boat strike campaign began, the military official tasked with overseeing the operation was ousted by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who was apparently incensed with the admiral for raising concerns about the strikes and other egregious demands made of him, new reporting finds."
"Holsey did not elaborate on the reasons for his departure when he announced it, and the move sparked confusion and uncertainty. It came as lawmakers were raising alarm about the administration's secrecy surrounding the campaign, and just as the administration was escalating the campaign with a CIA authorization to conduct lethal operations in the Caribbean and Venezuela and undertaking a buildup of troops around the region."
"'Having [Holsey] leave at this particular moment, at the height of what the Pentagon considers to be the central action in our hemisphere, is just shocking,' said Todd Robinson, former assistant secretary for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs. Other officials and lawmakers noted the highly unusual nature of the departure at the time."
Admiral Alvin Holsey was removed from command of U.S. Southern Command in October, less than a year into a three-year assignment. Officials say Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pressured Holsey to step down after Holsey raised concerns about a boat strike campaign and other demands. The departure coincided with escalation of the campaign, a CIA authorization for lethal operations in the Caribbean and Venezuela, and a regional troop buildup. Lawmakers and former officials described the timing and secrecy as alarming and highly unusual. The ouster prompted confusion and scrutiny over civil-military relations and operational oversight.
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