Senate Appropriations Committee hearing escalated as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Senator Gary Peters traded sharp accusations over the Pentagon's budget for the Iran war, with Hegseth citing $37.5 billion in costs and accusing Democrats of "Trump derangement syndrome," while Peters argued the lack of a winning strategy and closed Strait of Hormuz show leadership failure.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth engaged in a heated exchange with Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Tuesday regarding the Pentagon's budget for the military operation against Iran.
The confrontation highlighted deep partisan divides over the war's progress, funding, and leadership. Hegseth, accompanied by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sought additional funding for the ongoing Middle East military effort. The hearing occurred as congressional Republicans prepared a $95 billion funding bill, backed by the White House, which includes $10 billion for farm aid and $10 billion for voting law changes alongside military spending.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also participated to advocate for the farm aid provisions. Hegseth provided a new cost estimate, stating the war has expended $37.5 billion since it began in February. Senator Peters challenged this, pointing out that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed-a key shipping route that was open before the war-arguing that prices were lower prior to the conflict and that service members continue to die. He asked, "What's different, Mr. Secretary?
" Hegseth responded sharply, calling Peters' characterization of the effort as a failure "reckless" and "irresponsible," and accused him of smearing the troops' sacrifices. He invoked "Trump derangement syndrome" against Democrats and insisted that the mission is vital to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, urging Peters to visit CENTCOM to see the troops' commitment.
Peters clarified that his criticism was directed at leadership, not the troops: "You, sir, are the failure, not the men and women who are on that front line... if there's a lack of a winning strategy, they're in harm's way. Their leaders have failed them.
" He accused Hegseth of lacking a strategy and long-term plan to win the war, demanding better leadership. Hegseth retaliated by accusing Democrats of political cowardice for refusing to fund the troops and playing partisan politics. Peters countered that the issue is not money-the Pentagon has over a trillion dollars and is seeking $1.5 trillion for the 2027 military budget-but rather leadership and a coherent winning strategy.
The clash ended as Peters' time expired, with Hegseth labeling Democratic opposition as "political cowardice.
" The hearing encapsulates the ongoing legislative battle over war funding, with Republicans pushing a massive spending bill that bundles military aid with unrelated domestic priorities, while Democrats question the war's efficacy and the administration's strategic vision. The personal nature of the exchange reflects broader tensions in Washington over foreign policy, military spending, and partisan accountability
Please follow us on Google to support usHegseth Peters Iran War Pentagon Budget Senate Hearing Strait Of Hormuz Military Funding Trump Derangement Syndrome War Strategy Partisan Clash
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hegseth and Caine to testify before Senate panel amid escalating Iran warDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will testify before a Senate committee amid escalations in the war with Iran in recent days.
Read more »
Watch live: Hegseth is facing questions from senators over funding for the Iran warThree more American service members have died in the conflict, bringing death toll to 17.
Read more »
Hegseth is facing questions from senators over funding for the Iran warRepublicans are pushing a $95 billion budget package to fund the military.
Read more »
Hegseth is facing questions from senators over funding for the Iran warRepublicans are pushing a $95 billion budget package to fund the military.
Read more »