WASHINGTON — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faced a rigorous Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, where he was challenged on multiple issues including his recent military personnel changes, allegations of insider trading, the ongoing conflict in Iran, and the administration’s proposed defense spending. Hegseth appeared alongside General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss President Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense budget request for fiscal year 2027.

During the hearing, Democrats expressed strong concerns about the administration’s military strategies and budget priorities. Ranking member Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) criticized what he described as an “unwise” approach to the conflict with Iran, noting the broader scope of U.S. military operations. Reed highlighted recent U.S. air strikes in multiple countries, including Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, and Ecuador, warning that these actions could have substantial long-term repercussions.

Hegseth responded firmly, rejecting the criticism and accusing both Democrats and some Republicans of fostering defeatism that, in his view, undermines the nation’s security. At one point, he described “reckless naysayers and defeatist words” as the most significant threat facing the country.

General Caine maintained a composed demeanor throughout, providing military context to the administration’s defense priorities and emphasizing the strategic rationale behind the proposed budget. The hearing underscored the sharp partisan divisions over military policy and fiscal allocation, with lawmakers scrutinizing the Pentagon’s direction amid ongoing global tensions.