Defense

Six takeaways from Hegseth’s first hearing since Iran war started

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by Filip Timotija and Colin Meyn - 04/29/26 6:16 PM ET

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by Filip Timotija and Colin Meyn - 04/29/26 6:16 PM ET

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House Democrats came out firing during Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s first hearing since the Iran war started, peppering the Pentagon chief with questions on his characterization of the conflict and recent high-profile firings of top military officials.

Their Republican counterparts were notably conflict-averse, apart from a couple of supportive comments toward Gen. Randy Goerge, the accomplished Army chief of staff sacked by Hegseth earlier this month.

Hegseth got the hearing off to a combative start when he said, “the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans.”

That tone continued throughout his exchanges with Democrats, who accused him of being incompetent, a yes-man to President Trump and unfit to serve in such an important role.

Here are six key takeaways from the six-hour hearing at the House Armed Services Committee:

Republicans keep it friendly

In the weeks leading up to Wednesday’s hearing, Republican frustration toward Hegseth and the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war appeared to be mounting.

Following a classified House Armed Services Committee briefing last month, Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) was among the members who complained about the lack of answers on strategy and potential troop movements.

But if the committee’s GOP members were still frustrated, they mostly didn’t show it on Wednesday.

Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), who ripped Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby during a hearing last month, took a more indirect tack this time around, directing most of his questions to Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine, who appeared alongside Hegseth.

Turner asked Caine to talk about the importance of America’s allies in the war against Iran, apparently seeking to draw a contrast with Hegseth, who has railed against allies for not joining America’s war.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), one of the few House Republicans who has publicly said he might support a war powers resolution if the Iran conflict extends beyond 60 days, was the most critical GOP committee member.

He expressed concern about the firings of service chiefs, specifically referencing ousted Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan. And he noted the “huge bipartisan majority” that supported both George and former Navy Secretary John Phelan, who was sacked by Hegseth last week.

“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,” he said.

Hegseth grilled on Gen. George’s firing

Hegseth was pressed by multiple lawmakers over his order to oust George, who spent more than four decades in the Army.

“Why was he fired?” asked Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.).

“Ultimately, out of respect to these officers. We don’t reveal it. However, I will note it’s very difficult to change the culture of a department that has been destroyed by the wrong perspectives,” Hegseth responded.

“We’ve gotten rid of many general officers in this administration because we need new leadership,” Hegseth told the Pennsylvania Democrat.

“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 the Pentagon chief.

The displeasure about George’s removal was voiced on the other side of the aisle too, by both Bacon and Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.).

“I do want you to know I disagree with the firing” of George, Scott said.

“I sent you a letter. I hope you’ll [at it]. I look forward to seeing the responses on that,” added Scott, who earlier this month said George’s removal will have a chilling effect on the military.

George’s firing came amid an escalating turf war between Hegseth and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a close ally of Vice President Vance.

Rep. Derek Tran (D-Calif.) asked if Hegseth and Driscoll have a “good working” relationship — to which Hegseth said “I appreciate the work he’s doing for” for the Army.

“Would you agree that Secretary Driscoll is doing a great job,” Tran then asked.

“I appreciate the work that the Secretary is doing and made the personnel change based on the chief of the army,” Hegseth said in response.

Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.) asked Hegseth about the firing of Phelan, which was linked to Trump’s frustrations about the pace of shipbuilding.

In response