Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top officials appeared before Congress on Wednesday to advocate for a $1.5 trillion budget for the Defense Department. During the hearing, Hegseth engaged in intense debates with Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee, particularly over the ongoing war in Iran. He controversially labeled those opposing the war as “enemies.” Additionally, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst disclosed that the conflict has already cost the United States approximately $25 billion. This testimony highlights the significant financial and political stakes involved in the military’s budget request and the broader implications of U.S. military engagements abroad.
QUESTION: How might the financial costs of military conflicts impact future government spending priorities, such as education or healthcare, for your generation?
Watch key moments from Pete Hegseth’s testimony about Pentagon funding, Iran
