House Armed Services

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced withering questioning in his first appearance before Congress since the Trump administration went to war against Iran. Skeptical Democrats on Wednesday grilled Hegseth over a costly conflict being waged without congressional approval. The war has cost $25 billion so far. That's according to Pentagon numbers presented to the House Armed Services Committee during a contentious hearing ostensibly focused on the administration’s 2027 military budget proposal. While Republicans focused on the details of military budgeting and voiced support for the Iran operation, Democrats questioned Hegseth about the ballooning costs of the war and the huge drawdown of critical U.S. munitions.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has appeared before Congress at a pair of hearings this week for the first time since the Trump administration started the Iran war. Hegseth faced tough questions from skeptical Democrats. He seemed to emerge with solid Republican support over his leadership and handling of the war. But a few GOP lawmakers questioned his dismissal of a top Army general. Some also sought assurances that the Pentagon is doing everything possible to prevent civilian deaths. The hearings on Wednesday and Thursday were before the House and Senate Armed Services committees. They were held officially to review the Trump administration’s 2027 military budget proposal.