Washington: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday faced tough questions from the House Armed Services Committee on the Iran conflict, including the closed Strait of Hormuz, economic damage, and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Smith Presses for Clear Strategy
Rep Adam Smith (D-Wash.) asked about the Pentagon’s next steps. Hegseth responded: “I take issue with the premise of the question.” He began discussing “other administrations that cut bad deals.” Smith interrupted: “OK. What’s the plan?” Hegseth praised the “courage and intellect of Donald Trump.” Smith asked: “What are we going to do?” Hegseth said: “You have to stare down this kind of enemy.” Smith kept asking, but Hegseth gave no specifics and Smith yielded, as reported by Independent.
Adversary Claim Draws Bipartisan Heat
Hegseth stated: “the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional
Democrats and some Republicans.” Members questioned it repeatedly for 40 minutes. Gen. Dan Caine called a service member “an AmeriCAN, not an AmeriCAN’T.”
Smith said: “I’m asking you from a strategic standpoint.” Hegseth replied: “I think Ukrainians have shown great courage.” Smith yielded.
Shouts, Deflections Dominate Close
Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) said the administration showed “astounding incompetence,” caused “immense economic damage,” “misled the public,” and “political and economic disaster at every level,” sidelining diplomacy for “two real estate guys.” Smith added: “Wish fulfillment is not a strategy.”
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) said: “I’m a fan of Pulp Fiction, too,” and on vaccines: “This is a softball one for you. Don’t screw it up.”
On war length, Hegseth yelled about Iraq and Afghanistan, saying critics “stain the troops,” “Who you cheering for?” and “Your hatred for President Trump blinds you to the truth of the success of this mission!”
Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) asked for taxpayer costs: “I get soundbites, but how about numbers?” Hegseth cited “horrible” California management. Carbajal replied: “It used to be that that stuff worked,” adding: “I’m sad for all the people who voted for Trump. I’m sad because you betrayed them.”