Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced a second day of intense questioning from Democrats on Capitol Hill on Thursday, as senators got their first opportunity to confront or praise the Pentagon chief over his handling of the Iran war. The hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee followed a nearly six-hour House Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, where Hegseth battled with Democrats and some Republicans over the war's costs in dollars, lives, and diminishing stockpiles of critical weapons.
War Powers Act Deadline Looms
The Trump administration is running up against a 60-day limit for the Iran war instituted by the War Powers Act of 1973. The law requires Congress to declare war or authorize the use of force, though it allows presidents a 30-day extension to draw down hostilities if they notify Congress. The 60-day limit will be reached on Friday. However, Hegseth told senators, 'We are in a cease fire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire.' Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine responded, 'I do not believe the statute would support that,' adding that he had 'serious constitutional concerns.'
Senate Hearing Highlights
General Randy George's Retirement
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa expressed disappointment over the hastened retirement of Gen. Randy George, who 'pulled the Army out of its worst recruiting crisis since the Vietnam era' and trimmed 'nonessential' Army positions. George is one of several top military officers dismissed since Trump returned to office. Ernst thanked him for his 38 years of honorable service.
Civilian Casualties
Senators questioned the Pentagon's efforts to prevent civilian deaths, especially after outdated intelligence contributed to a U.S. strike on an elementary school in Iran that killed over 165 people. Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand asked Hegseth about targeting that destroyed schools and hospitals, and why the division responsible for preventing civilian casualties was cut by 90%. Hegseth responded that the Pentagon has an 'ironclad commitment' to prevent civilian deaths. Republican Sen. Mike Rounds continued the line of questioning, asking whether the Pentagon has the necessary resources. Hegseth affirmed it has 'every resource necessary' and that humans remain in the loop when AI is involved in military decisions.
Ukraine Funding
Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen pushed for details on how the Pentagon plans to use $400 million allotted for Ukraine. Hegseth said the funding had been released, but Shaheen noted that the Pentagon has not provided Congress with details. Hegseth indicated it would also be used to sell military equipment to NATO allies, but Shaheen countered that this 'was not the intent of Congress.' The current budget request includes no funding for Ukraine.
Russian Involvement
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has aided Iran's war effort, though he declined to provide details due to the public nature of the hearing. Committee Chair Roger Wicker agreed that 'there's no question that Vladimir Putin's Russia is taking serious action to undermine our efforts for success in Iran.'
Hegseth's Remarks
In his opening statement, Hegseth called critics 'reckless naysayers and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans,' defending Trump's budget request. Gen. Caine stated it was his duty 'to ensure our civilian leadership has a comprehensive range of military options and the associated risks required to make the nation's hardest and most complex decisions.'
Other Developments
Attempted Attack on Trump
Cole Thomas Allen, accused of trying to kill Trump at the correspondents' gala, agreed to remain jailed. He did not enter a plea during his court appearance. Prosecutors allege he planned the attack for weeks and tracked Trump's movements before disrupting the event with a long gun.
China Diplomacy
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of Trump's planned trip to China. Wang called leader-level diplomacy the 'guiding star' of relations and urged the U.S. to make the 'right choice' on Taiwan.
Anti-War Protester
A protester disrupted Hegseth's opening statement by yelling, 'Pete Hegseth, you're a war criminal,' before being removed by Capitol Police. Committee Chair Wicker said he respected First Amendment rights but warned that disruptors would be removed.
Sen. Jack Reed's Critique
Sen. Jack Reed, ranking Democrat on the committee, delivered a sweeping critique of Hegseth's leadership, arguing that the Iran war has left the U.S. in a worse strategic position, with the Strait of Hormuz closed, 13 U.S. service members killed, and equipment destroyed. He concluded, 'The American people's trust in our military took 250 years to build. You are dismantling it in a fraction of that time.'
Economic Indicators
U.S. jobless aid filings fell to 189,000 last week, well below expectations. The economy grew at a 2% annual rate in the first quarter, rebounding from a shutdown, but the Iran war clouds the outlook. A key inflation gauge rose 3.5% year-over-year in March, driven by higher gas prices. Brent crude surged past $120 a barrel due to stalled talks over the Strait of Hormuz.
