Hegseth Questioned on $1T Defense Budget, Ukraine

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced bipartisan scrutiny in congressional hearings, addressing contentious issues around the Trump administration's $1 trillion defense budget request and lack of transparency regarding funding for troop deployments in Los Angeles. Democrats challenged Hegseth over the administration’s vague plans for reforming the defense industrial base, while Republicans pressed him to clarify U.S. objectives in the Russia-Ukraine war and cautioned against appeasing Russia. Hegseth consistently avoided committing to a side in the Ukraine conflict and would not rule out the possibility of future military actions in Greenland and Panama, which alarmed lawmakers and allies. The hearings revealed deep divisions in Congress over defense strategy, global alliances, and the politicization of the Pentagon. Concerns also centered on the administration’s approach to international threats and the ongoing controversy over domestic troop deployments. The administration’s defense policies remain a source of significant debate and uncertainty.