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 scheduled to discuss the Pentagon's 2027 budget request, but turned into a debate on the war. Hegseth berated Democratic questioners and previous administrations, saying the biggest adversary is the "reckless, feckless and defeatist words" of congressional Democrats and some Republicans. The war has cost $25 billion so far, with the Pentagon requesting $200 billion in supplemental funding. Hegseth fired two dozen senior officers without explanation, including Gen. Randy George and former Navy Secretary John Phelan. Democrats accused Hegseth of lying about the war's progress and slammed him for shifting reasons for starting the war. Hegseth defended his decisions, saying he has the constitutional right to make changes. The Pentagon's 2027 budget request was finalized before the US and Israel attacked Iran in February.