‘Who are you cheering for?’: Pete Hegseth loses temper in heated Congress clash over Iran war
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth clashes with lawmakers during a tense House hearing on the Iran war, as questions mount over strategy, military firings, and rising fuel costs
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth lost his composure on Wednesday while defending the Trump administration’s ongoing war with Iran.
The six-hour marathon session before the House Armed Services Committee was Hegseth’s first appearance before Congress since the war began in February. What was supposed to be a discussion on the Fiscal Year 2027 military budget instead turned into a heated debate over the war’s legality and its economic cost.
Here's what happened
The most explosive moment occurred during an exchange with Rep John Garamendi (D-CA). After Garamendi accused the administration of lying about the war's objectives and called the war a "self-inflicted wound," Hegseth visibly bridled, leaning into his microphone to shout over the lawmaker.
“Who are you cheering for here?” Hegseth demanded, his voice rising. “Your hatred for President Trump blinds you to the success of the war!”
More from WorldHegseth’s outburst continued as he dismissed his critics as "reckless, feckless, and defeatist," at one point even suggesting that congressional dissent was the "biggest adversary" the US military currently faces.
Key points of contention
The hearing brought several politically sensitive, “third rail” issues to the forefront, exposing deep divisions on Capitol Hill.
To begin with, lawmakers raised what some called a “nuclear logic” gap. Rep Adam Smith questioned why the US launched the war 60 days ago to stop an “imminent” nuclear threat when, as Hegseth had claimed earlier in the hearing, Iran’s nuclear facilities were already “obliterated” in 2025 strikes. The apparent contradiction became a key point of contention.
At the same time, the issue of military leadership shake-ups drew sharp scrutiny. Rep Chrissy Houlahan pressed Hegseth over his removal of top uniformed officers, including Gen Randy George. In response, Hegseth stood firm, saying he was trying to build a “warrior culture” and was removing leaders who did not align with the President Trump's vision.
Meanwhile, the economic impact of the conflict also took centre stage. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and fuel prices surging at home, Democrats blamed the administration’s naval blockade for adding pressure on American families and driving up everyday costs.
Then came the bipartisan unease
While Republicans largely stood by the Secretary, with Rep Nancy Mace (SC) stating she was "glad" he was firing people, some cracks appeared in the GOP front. Rep Don Bacon (R-NE) expressed "bipartisan concern" over the mass dismissal of military leadership, noting that while the Secretary has the power to fire, "it doesn't make it right or wise."
The hearing concluded without a resolution on the $1.5 trillion budget proposal.
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