WASHINGTON, June 11 — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning and criticism from legislators on Tuesday. The lawmakers pressed him for more information regarding the deployment of troops to Los Angeles. They also voiced bipartisan dissatisfaction over the fact that the Trump administration had failed to provide a complete defense budget to Congress.
“Your time as secretary has been characterized by unending disorder,” Representative Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn, stated to Hegseth.
As reported by AP, various individuals, including key Republican figures, cautioned that significant expenditure initiatives like President Donald Trump’s proposal for a $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense program would face extensive examination from Congress.
The troop deployment sparked numerous heated debates that occasionally escalated into loud arguments between House committee members and Hegseth, who frequently talked over each other.
Following continued inquiries regarding the expense of deploying National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles due to demonstrations against immigration raids, Hegseth shifted focus towards his interim comptroller, Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, who stated that the total cost would amount to $134 million.
Hegseth supported Trump’s choice to deploy additional troops, arguing that these forces are essential for safeguarding federal agents during their duties. He also implied that the deployment of military personnel within U.S. borders is likely to increase further.
“We seem to be moving into a new era, particularly during President Trump’s tenure with his emphasis on domestic security, where the role of the National Guard and Reserve forces becomes an essential part of safeguarding our nation,” he stated.
The hearing held before the House Appropriations defense subcommittee marked the first occasion for lawmakers to question Trump’s defense secretary following his confirmation. This event is the initial one among three congressional hearings scheduled for him this week.
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Legislators extensively criticized Congress for not receiving specifics about the administration’s initial defense budget proposal, which Trump stated would amount to $1 trillion—a considerable rise from the present expenditure exceeding $800 billion.
They expressed their dissatisfaction with the administration’s attempts to bypass congressional approval in order to implement alterations. The financial matters causing concern lately encompass proposals to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars for enhancing the security features of transforming a Qatari aircraft into Air Force One, along with earmarking up to $45 million for an additional parade during the Army’s celebration of its 250th anniversary, scheduled concurrently with President Trump’s upcoming birthday on Saturday.
Representative Betty McCollum from Minnesota questioned Hegseth regarding the assignment of approximately 700 Marines to support over 4,100 National Guard members in safeguarding federal structures and staff in Los Angeles.
She got into a testy back-and-forth with him over the costs of the operation. He evaded the questions but later turned to MacDonnell, who provided the estimate and said it covers the costs of travel, housing and food.
Hegseth stated that the 60-day troop deployment is necessary because they aim to convey that the individuals—rioters, looters, and thugs—who are attacking our law enforcement personnel on the opposite side should understand that their presence will remain unchanged.
According to the Posse Comitatus Act, military personnel are barred from enforcing domestic law within the United States. Activating the Insurrection Act, which permits such actions, is extremely uncommon, and it remains uncertain whether Trump intends to invoke this act.
