Hegseth faces second day of Democratic scrutiny over Iran war, defense budget
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced scrutiny from Democratic senators over the Iran war and the Trump administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget. Hegseth called Democrats 'reckless naysayers' while senators questioned the conflict's cost and civilian casualties.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, facing questions over the Iran war and the proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget. Hegseth called Democratic lawmakers 'reckless naysayers' and 'defeatists from the cheap seats.' Sen. Jack Reed criticized the war, citing 13 American troops killed, over 400 injured, and equipment destroyed. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and Iran still has enriched uranium. Democrats have criticized the conflict as a costly war of choice lacking congressional approval. The Senate hearing followed a nearly six-hour House Armed Services Committee session where Democrats pressed Hegseth on the conflict's cost, estimated at $25 billion, and concerns over dwindling weapons stockpiles. Hegseth framed the budget as a response to growing global threats, aiming to put the U.S. military on a 'wartime footing.'
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