Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly on Tuesday called Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's investigation into him a "bunch of bull****" and said he believes it's about sending a message to retired service members not to speak out against the president. "This is very performative for him," Kelly told reporters about the investigation.

"He wants to perform. He doesn't want to answer questions about these strikes on boats in Venezuela," the Arizona Democratic senator said Tuesday.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed Congress on a September strike that killed two boat attack survivors.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth offered few details on his plan. But he said the military was alienating soldiers by treating clergy as therapists.

President Donald Trump’s top Cabinet officials overseeing national security are expected back on Capitol Hill on Tuesday as questions mount over the swift escalation of U.S. military force and deadly boat strikes in international waters near Venezuela.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticized the two Trump administration officials to reporters after that meeting, demanding Hegseth release the full footage of a Sept. 2 double strike on an alleged drug boat, in which the U.S. reportedly attacked survivors after the initial hit.