Hegseth spars with Dems -- and some Republicans -- over Iran war and Pentagon firings

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee, facing questions over the war with Iran and his firings of high-ranking military officials. The hearing was Hegseth's first appearance before Congress since the war started in February. The Pentagon's 2027 budget request was finalized before the war and doesn't account for spending on the conflict, which has so far cost $25 billion. Hegseth and Democrats traded barbs over the war's rationale and timetable. Two dozen senior officers have been fired or had their promotions blocked without explanation. Hegseth defended his decisions, citing his constitutional right to make changes. Democrats criticized Hegseth, accusing him of lying about the war's progress and shifting reasons for starting it. The Pentagon has requested $200 billion in supplemental funding for the campaign.