Buttigieg on Soleimani killing: ‘Taking out a bad guy is not necessarily a good idea’

Published January 4, 2020 6:09pm ET



Democratic presidential contender Pete Buttigieg questioned President Trump’s decision to launch a drone strike that killed top Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani and whether the United States is prepared for potential retaliation for the death.

“No one ought to shed a tear for Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was behind attacks and destabilizing efforts across the region. If there is one thing we have learned in our modern times about U.S. involvement abroad, it’s that when you don’t have a plan or know what you’re doing — when you act when there could have been another way — taking out a bad guy is not necessarily a good idea,” the 37-year-old Buttigieg said Friday.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.