Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny Wednesday during his first appearance before the House Armed Services Committee since the U.S. war with Iran began, with Democrats pressing him on military firings and the mounting cost of the conflict while Republicans largely offered measured support.
The six-hour hearing exposed deep divisions over the administration's handling of the Iran conflict and its approach to military leadership. Hegseth opened with a combative tone, telling lawmakers that "the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans."
What the Right Is Saying
Republican committee members largely offered supportive tones toward Hegseth, though some expressed quiet concerns about recent firings. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), who had previously criticized Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, took a more indirect approach this time, directing questions to Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine rather than Hegseth.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) emerged as the most critical Republican on the panel. "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," Bacon said, referencing Hegseth's firings of service chiefs including Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan.
Bacon noted the "huge bipartisan majority" that supported both George and former Navy Secretary John Phelan, who was sacked by Hegseth last week. He also indicated he might support a war powers resolution if the Iran conflict extends beyond 60 days — one of few Republicans to voice such openness.
Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) directly told Hegseth: "I do want you to know I disagree with the firing" of George, adding that George's removal would have a "chilling effect on the military."
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) offered praise for the string of firings at the Pentagon. "There are people there that are getting in your way. They need to go," Mace told Hegseth.
What the Left Is Saying
House Democrats launched pointed attacks on Hegseth's competence and transparency throughout the hearing. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) pressed him repeatedly on why he fired Gen. Randy George, the Army chief of staff who served more than four decades in the military.
"You have no way of explaining why you fired one of the most decorated and remarkable men who we needed new leadership, and your answer is a very immature way of responding to my request," Houlahan told Hegseth.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) zeroed in on war costs, citing estimates that the Iran conflict could cost the U.S. economy approximately $631 billion, or around $5,000 per household. "Will you acknowledge that there is an economic cost to the American people for doing what you believe is necessary to make Iran denuclear?" Khanna asked.
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) noted that even the Pentagon's $25 billion figure would cost each American household an extra $600. "The American taxpayers out there, my constituents, some of the constituents you wanted to represent in Minnesota, I'm just wondering if they have an extra 600 bucks lying around to pay for your war," Moulton said.
Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) pressed Hegseth on a Kuwait strike that killed six service members at Shuaiba port city, citing CBS News reporting that survivors described the unit as "unprepared" despite intelligence showing the site was high on Iran's target list. "Internal analysis had said the site was indefensible from aerial attack and should not be used. Yet you sent our soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command there anyway. Is that true or false?" Ryan asked.
Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) questioned Hegseth about Tim Parlatore, a special adviser to the defense secretary, asking whether Parlatore represented foreign clients in his private law practice and senior military officers under consideration for promotion by Hegseth's office. Hegseth said he did not know.
What the Numbers Show
The hearing revealed several key figures about the Iran war and its costs: The Pentagon's acting chief financial officer, Jules Hurst III, testified that the cost of the war has surpassed $25 billion so far. Rep. Khanna cited estimates putting total potential economic impact at approximately $631 billion, or roughly $5,000 per American household.
Democrats noted this would translate to an extra $600 per household even using the lower $25 billion figure. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict, contributing to increased gas prices.
On military personnel changes: Hegseth has overseen the firings of Gen. Randy George (Army chief of staff), Adm. Linda Fagan (Coast Guard commandant), and John Phelan (Navy secretary). The $400 million in Ukraine aid that had been blocked at the Pentagon was released Tuesday, following a Washington Post op-ed by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
The Kuwait strike at Shuaiba port city killed six service members from the 103rd Sustainment Command. CBS News reported survivors described the base's drone defense capability as "none." The hearing lasted approximately six hours.
The Bottom Line
Wednesday's hearing demonstrated that while Republicans largely remain reluctant to publicly challenge Hegseth, Democratic opposition has intensified amid rising war costs and questions about military readiness. The administration faces continued scrutiny over transparency regarding both the Iran conflict's expenses and the rationale behind sweeping personnel changes at the Pentagon.
Watch for whether Republican criticism grows louder if the $25 billion figure continues to climb or if additional details emerge about the Kuwait strike that killed six service members. Hegseth is expected to return to Capitol Hill as the Iran war continues, with both parties signaling they have more questions.