Pete Hegseth Faces Congressional Fire Over Unauthorized Iran War and Pentagon Shake-Ups

For the first time since the Trump administration launched its unauthorized war with Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced a congressional grilling that exposed the deep fractures within the Pentagon and the administration’s reckless approach to conflict.

At a House Armed Services Committee hearing focused on the Pentagon’s 2027 budget request, which seeks a staggering $1.5 trillion in defense spending, Democrats wasted no time pivoting to the war’s spiraling costs and questionable strategy. The conflict, initiated without congressional approval on February 28, has already drained $25 billion, primarily on munitions, according to Pentagon financial officials.

Rep. Adam Smith, the committee’s top Democrat, cut through the budget talk with a sharp critique: “You can win a whole lot of little small battles and lose the war, which is why you don’t stumble into the war in the first place.” He condemned the administration’s reliance on violence and coercion to force global compliance, calling it “a very dangerous strategy.”

Hegseth, rather than addressing these concerns, turned his ire on lawmakers, blaming the “reckless, feckless and defeatist words” of congressional Democrats and some Republicans for undermining military operations. His deflection underscored the administration’s unwillingness to accept accountability for the conflict’s mismanagement.

The war’s human cost is mounting, with Iranian drones breaching U.S. defenses and causing American casualties. Lawmakers also raised alarms about the military’s readiness, citing critical shortages in munitions and equipment. The Pentagon’s budget pitch highlights a push for more drones, missile defenses, and warships to counter growing threats from China, Russia, and Iran.

Republican support for Trump’s wartime leadership remains tentative. GOP Rep. Mike Rogers, committee chairman, emphasized the need to match adversaries’ defense spending but acknowledged the political stakes as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up global fuel prices ahead of midterms.

Beyond the war, Hegseth faces tough questions about his sweeping purge of senior military leaders, including the recent ouster of the Army’s top general, Randy George, and Navy Secretary John Phelan. Senators and representatives from both parties expressed unease over the abrupt removals amid an ongoing conflict.

Sen. Thom Tillis, a crucial vote in Hegseth’s confirmation, voiced second thoughts: “You don’t go through the number of highly reputable, senior-level officials, admirals and generals” during wartime without consequences. Rep. Austin Scott condemned the firing of Gen. George as “reckless conduct” and a disservice to the Army.

Hegseth’s first public confrontation with Congress since the Iran war began revealed an administration doubling down on dangerous brinkmanship and chaotic leadership, all while demanding historic military spending. As the fragile ceasefire holds, the questions about Trump’s war—and the Pentagon’s internal turmoil—are only getting louder.