U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has clashed for a second consecutive day with Democratic lawmakers in Congress, as tensions escalate over the Trump administration’s handling of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
During a heated session before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Pete Hegseth strongly defended the war effort, rejecting criticism that the campaign lacks a clear strategy or legal authorization. He described critics as “defeatists,” while maintaining that the United States is achieving key military objectives and preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear ambitions.
Democratic lawmakers, led by Jack Reed, pushed back forcefully, raising concerns over the war’s growing human and economic costs. They pointed to reports of American casualties, rising fuel prices linked to disruptions in global shipping routes, and the estimated $25 billion already spent on the conflict.
Critics also questioned whether the administration had adequately justified the الحرب or secured proper congressional approval, as required under the War Powers Act. Lawmakers warned that continuing military operations without authorization could undermine constitutional checks on executive power.
The contentious exchanges follow a similarly combative House hearing a day earlier, where Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny over the administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget and decisions to remove senior military officials.
Republican lawmakers largely rallied behind the defense secretary, praising the administration’s strategy and emphasizing the need for increased military investment, including advanced weapons systems and expanded naval capabilities.
However, Democrats remain unconvinced, arguing that the conflict has weakened U.S. strategic positioning and lacks a clear exit plan. They also raised concerns about civilian casualties and transparency in military operations, further intensifying the political divide in Washington.
As the debate continues, Congress faces a looming deadline to decide whether to formally authorize ongoing military action. The outcome could significantly shape the future direction of U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran.
The back-to-back clashes highlight deep divisions within the U.S. government over the war’s objectives, costs, and long-term implications, signaling that the issue will remain a central point of political contention in the weeks ahead.
Swifteradio.com