Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends Iran War in Combative House Hearing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced aggressive questioning from Democrats during his first Congressional hearing since the Iran war began, as lawmakers challenged his claims about U.S. strategy and pressed for clarity on the conflict's costs and duration. The Pentagon disclosed the war has cost an estimated $25 billion so far.
Hegseth's Testimony Before House Armed Services Committee
Key developments:
- First Congressional scrutiny: Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee to discuss the Pentagon's record $1.5 trillion budget request for fiscal 2027
- Cost disclosure: Pentagon officials revealed the Iran war has cost approximately $25 billion in the first two months of operations
- Heated exchange: Democrats, led by Rep. Adam Smith and Rep. John Garamendi, accused the Trump administration of misleading the public about the war's justification and progress
- Hegseth's response: The Defense Secretary criticized congressional Democrats as "defeatist," saying they represented "the biggest adversary" to the military mission
Context
The hearing comes as the 60-day mark under the War Powers Resolution approaches on Friday, which could trigger congressional requirements for war authorization. Lawmakers pressed Hegseth for a clear definition of victory, timeline for ending hostilities, and explanation of shifting public claims about Iran's nuclear program. The administration is seeking the historic $1.5 trillion defense budget amid the ongoing conflict.