Secretary of War Pete Hegseth 12-19-2025

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosts holiday morale calls with deployed troops from the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Dec. 19, 2025. (DoW photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

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Takeaways from Hegseth's first hearings in Congress since the start of Iran war

Takeaways from Hegseth's first hearings in Congress since the start of Iran war

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has appeared before Congress at a pair of hearings this week for the first time since the Trump administration started the Iran war. Hegseth faced tough questions from skeptical Democrats. He seemed to emerge with solid Republican support over his leadership and handling of the war. But a few GOP lawmakers questioned his dismissal of a top Army general. Some also sought assurances that the Pentagon is doing everything possible to prevent civilian deaths. The hearings on Wednesday and Thursday were before the House and Senate Armed Services committees. They were held officially to review the Trump administration’s 2027 military budget proposal.