Six takeaways from Hegseth’s first hearing since Iran war started |
Six takeaways from Hegseth’s first hearing since Iran war started
House Democrats came out firing during Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s first hearing since the Iran war started, peppering the Pentagon chief with questions on his characterization of the conflict and recent high-profile firings of top military officials.
Their Republican counterparts were notably conflict-averse, apart from a couple of supportive comments toward Gen. Randy Goerge, the accomplished Army chief of staff sacked by Hegseth earlier this month.
Hegseth got the hearing off to a combative start when he said, “the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans.”
That tone continued throughout his exchanges with Democrats, who accused him of being incompetent, a yes-man to President Trump and unfit to serve in such an important role.
Here are six key takeaways from the six-hour hearing at the House Armed Services Committee:
Republicans keep it friendly
In the weeks leading up to Wednesday’s hearing, Republican frustration toward Hegseth and the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war appeared to be mounting.
Following a classified House Armed Services Committee briefing last month, Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) was among the members who complained about the lack of answers on strategy and potential troop movements.
But if the committee’s GOP members were still frustrated, they mostly didn’t show it on Wednesday.
Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), who ripped Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby during a hearing last month, took a more indirect tack this time around, directing most of his questions to Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine, who appeared alongside Hegseth.
Turner asked Caine to talk about the importance of America’s allies in the war against Iran, apparently seeking to draw a contrast with Hegseth, who has railed against allies for not joining America’s war.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), one of the few House Republicans who has publicly said he might support a war powers resolution if the Iran conflict extends beyond 60 days, was the most critical GOP committee member.
He expressed concern about the firings of service chiefs, specifically referencing ousted Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan. And he noted the “huge bipartisan majority” that supported both George and former Navy Secretary John Phelan, who was sacked by Hegseth last week.
“I would just point out it may be constitutionally right — you have the constitutional right to do these things — but it doesn’t make it right or wise,” he said.
Hegseth grilled on Gen. George’s firing
Hegseth was pressed by multiple lawmakers over his order to oust George, who spent more than four decades in the Army.
“Why was he fired?” asked Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.).
“Ultimately, out of respect to these officers. We don’t reveal it. However, I will note it’s very difficult to change the culture of a department that has been destroyed by the wrong perspectives,” Hegseth responded.
“We’ve gotten rid of many general officers in this administration because we need new leadership,” Hegseth told the Pennsylvania Democrat.
“You have no way of explaining why you fired one of the most decorated and remarkable men who we needed new leadership, and your........