Trump Eases Restrictions on Airstrikes, Defense Secretary Confirms

The extent of the rollback is not yet clear.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington on Feb. 28, 2025. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

President Donald Trump has eased restrictions on airstrikes and military raids, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Feb. 28.

“Correct,” Hegseth wrote on social media platform X, confirming a media report that he recently signed a directive during a meeting with leaders from U.S. Africa Command that eases constraints and oversight on airstrikes and raids by U.S. troops.

The relaxation gives commanders greater latitude in targeting strikes and eases a layered system implemented under President Joe Biden, the report said.

A defense official with knowledge of the directive told The Epoch Times that Hegseth issued the directive under the direction of Trump. The official said under the previous administration’s rules, military leaders complained that the White House wanted too much control, particularly with regards to time-sensitive targets.

Commanders can now target and kill terrorists without White House approval, as long as the terrorists have been pre-designated through normal rules and regulations, the official said.

The most recent airstrike undertaken in Africa by U.S. troops occurred on Feb. 25. The strike, which was conducted at the request of the Somali government, targeted al Shabaab around Al-Kowsar, according to U.S. Africa Command.

“The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed. Al Shabaab has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces,” the command said in a statement.

“This terrorist group’s malicious efforts threaten U.S. and international security interests. U.S. Africa Command, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al Shabaab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our partners, and civilians. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

The command on its website describes airstrikes as a tool in supporting African partners as they work to maintain security and stability throughout their countries. It says that it aims to reduce the risk of harm to civilians with the strikes.

Hegseth recently told a press conference that his job as secretary of defense is to make sure the president “has the strongest, most capable, most lethal military possible.”

“Heaven forbid we have to use it. It’s meant and built for deterrence. But if we have to, we can close with and destroy our enemies and bring our men and women home with success as quickly as possible,” he said.