Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underwent his initial congressional testimony following the commencement of military operations against Iran under the Trump administration, encountering sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers.
During the House Armed Services Committee session focused on the Department of Defense’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, Hegseth confronted intense scrutiny from doubtful Democratic representatives who challenged the administration’s military strategy and decision-making process.
The April 29, 2026 Capitol Hill hearing marked Hegseth’s debut appearance before Congress since hostilities with Iran escalated, setting the stage for what proved to be a contentious exchange between the Defense Secretary and skeptical committee members.
