Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny from Senate Democrats during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, as lawmakers pressed the Pentagon on its budget, the escalating conflict with Iran, and the potential economic and moral costs of continued military engagement.

Budget and Accountability Concerns

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) opened the questioning by challenging Hegseth on recent Pentagon firings and the broader implications for accountability within the Department of Defense. Reed emphasized the need for transparency in military spending, particularly in light of the ongoing Iran conflict.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) went further, accusing Hegseth of disregarding public sentiment regarding the Iran war. 'You don't care whether Americans support this war,' Gillibrand charged, highlighting the disconnect between military policy and domestic opinion. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) questioned the legal justification for recent U.S. strikes on alleged Iranian drug boats, pressing Hegseth for clarity on the Pentagon's adherence to international law.

Economic Impact and Insider Trading Allegations

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) demanded a detailed accounting of the costs associated with the Iran war, stressing the impact on American taxpayers. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) raised concerns about insider trading related to Iran war developments, calling for stricter oversight of Pentagon officials to prevent financial exploitation of classified information.

'The things you say matters,' Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) told Hegseth, as tensions flared during the hearing.

The hearing underscored growing Democratic opposition to the Pentagon's handling of the Iran conflict, with lawmakers demanding greater accountability, transparency, and respect for domestic and international law.