Hegseth defends $1.5 trillion budget and Iran war strategy in heated House hearing

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, appearing alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday regarding the Pentagon’s record-breaking budget request for fiscal year 2027.

Hegseth provided his first formal responses to congressional inquiries concerning ongoing military operations conducted by the US and Israel against Iran. During a tense, hours-long session, Hegseth and Caine faced pointed questions regarding the long-term objectives and timeline of the conflict, which began with strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Hegseth largely demurred on providing a specific exit strategy or schedule.

Throughout the hearing, Hegseth defended the policies of President Donald Trump and reaffirmed the White House’s request for a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget.

Testifying alongside Hegseth, Pentagon Acting Comptroller Jules Hurst III disclosed the official cost of the war for the first time, placing it at $25 billion. Hurst stated that the bulk of these expenditures is tied to munitions, the repositioning of military assets to Western Asia, and equipment lost in combat. Under subsequent questioning, Hegseth did not provide clear details on whether this figure accounts for damage sustained by US military bases in the region or the total cost of replenishing depleted weapons stockpiles.

While US media outlets have reported that the administration is considering a request for an additional $200 billion in war funding from Congress, no formal supplemental request has yet been submitted.

Democratic members of the committee pressed Hegseth on the war’s impact on domestic gasoline and food prices. Hegseth dismissed these inquiries, labeling them a “trap” designed to pivot toward internal political issues. In a sharp exchange with Democratic Representative Salud Carbajal over the financial burden on US taxpayers, Hegseth struck a defiant tone, asking what the acceptable price would be to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.

The Secretary faced his most rigorous questioning regarding Iran’s nuclear program, as lawmakers challenged the fundamental objectives of the military campaign.

Democratic Representative Adam Smith highlighted what he characterized as contradictory statements from the Secretary. Smith noted that Hegseth had previously claimed Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was “leveled” following a 12-day conflict in 2025. Smith questioned why the program was described as an “imminent threat” necessitating a new war 60 days ago if it had already been destroyed, suggesting the program remains in the same state it was prior to the current hostilities.

Hegseth responded by stating that while physical facilities had been bombed and destroyed, Tehran’s “ambitions” remained intact and that the Iranian leadership had focused on constructing a “conventional shield.”

In one of the day’s most heated moments, Hegseth reacted strongly after Democratic Representative John Garamendi characterized the war as a “quagmire” and a “political and economic disaster at every level.” The Secretary accused the congressman of providing “propaganda material” to adversaries, arguing that the greatest challenge the administration faces is the “defeatist rhetoric” from Democrats and certain Republicans in Congress.

Representative Seth Moulton later revisited those remarks, asking whether it was “wise or incompetent” for Congress to have given the Bush administration a “blank check” for the Iraq War. Hegseth, an Iraq War veteran, rejected the comparison as a “false equivalence.”

Moulton further questioned Hegseth on his past statements suggesting US forces should show “no quarter” or mercy to enemies. When asked if he stood by rhetoric that could imply the killing of surrendering soldiers—a war crime under international law—Hegseth stated that the Department of Defense “fights to win” and ensures that combatants have the rules of engagement necessary to operate with maximum effectiveness.

Representative Ro Khanna questioned the Secretary on the cost of missiles used in a strike on a school in Minab, where at least 120 children were reportedly killed. Hegseth declined to provide a cost estimate, noting that the incident remains under investigation.

Democratic Representative Sara Jacobs shifted the focus to President Donald Trump’s mental fitness for office within the context of his rhetoric regarding Iran. Jacobs asked if the President was mentally competent to serve as Commander-in-Chief. Hegseth countered by asking if similar questions had been directed at Joe Biden during his four-year term, alleging that Biden had been “hardly able to speak” and suffered from health issues.

In response, Jacobs presented an image shared by Trump depicting himself as Jesus Christ. Jacobs, noting her Jewish faith, stated that while the image did not personally offend her, it could be seen as sacrilegious by many Christians, and asked Hegseth to explain the post.

While Democrats on the committee maintained a confrontational stance, Republican members largely signaled support for Hegseth and the war effort.

This political alignment is critical as Friday marks 60 days since Trump officially notified Congress of the strikes. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the President must begin withdrawing troops after 60 days unless he receives a formal authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) from Congress. Despite controlling both the House and the Senate, Republican leadership has indicated they may avoid a formal authorization vote, a move that could leave the legal basis for the ongoing conflict in a state of uncertainty.

Republican Representative Nancy Mace reaffirmed her support for the Secretary, stating that Hegseth had “exceeded all expectations.”