Hegseth told lawmakers that some members of Congress represented “the biggest challenge” to the war effort.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the war against Iran during testimony before Congress, rejecting criticism that the conflict had become a “quagmire” and urging lawmakers to support a $1.5tn military budget.
Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee alongside Gen Dan Caine, chair of the joint chiefs of staff, in his first testimony since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. The conflict has been accompanied by a surge in gasoline prices.
During the hearing, Rep. John Garamendi of California described the war as a “quagmire” and a “political and economic disaster at every level.” Hegseth responded sharply.
“You call it a quagmire, handing propaganda to our enemies? Shame on you for that statement,” Hegseth said.
He also criticized lawmakers opposing the war effort, stating, “The biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans.”
Hegseth characterized critics as “feckless” and said those disapproving of the war were creating conflict.
He described the conflict as “an existential fight for the safety of the American people” and said the administration was “proud of this undertaking.”
While requesting approval for increased military spending, Hegseth told lawmakers that some members of Congress represented “the biggest challenge” to the war effort.
As the hearing took place, protesters gathered outside carrying signs accusing Hegseth and Caine of “war crimes.”
Separately, President Trump posted an AI-generated image on social media showing himself holding a weapon amid explosions with the caption “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY.” In the same post, he wrote that Iran “better get smart soon.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump told aides he preferred maintaining a naval blockade over other options, including renewing strikes or ending the war.
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