Hegseth Cracks during Cross-Examination over War

Summary

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The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode Title: Hegseth Cracks During Cross-Examination Over War
Release Date: April 30, 2026
Host/Brothers: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on the dramatic, contentious testimony of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before the House Armed Services Committee, focusing on the catastrophic war in Iran under President Trump. The Meiselas brothers break down a series of high-stakes, often combative cross-examinations by Democratic Congressmembers. Throughout, Hegseth is grilled over military leadership firings, alleged war crimes, accountability for U.S. troop deaths, and the astronomical economic and human costs of the war. The brothers provide their trademark blend of sharp analysis, biting humor, and pro-democracy advocacy as they highlight the failures of Trump’s administration and Hegseth’s evasive, combative performance.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Fire: Hegseth’s Competence and Firings

• Congressmember Bajal opens by bluntly questioning Hegseth’s fitness:

  “You were incompetent then, you're incompetent now, and you're the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to incompetence.” (02:12, Bajal)

• Congressmember Houlahan presses Hegseth on the controversial firing of General Randy George—reportedly done by text message—probing for justification.
  • Hegseth repeatedly refuses to share specifics, citing “respect for officers.”

    “Out of respect for these officers, we never talk about the nature of their removal…” (03:16, Hegseth)

  • Houlahan accuses Hegseth of “a very immature way of responding.”

    "You have no way of explaining why you fired one of the most decorated and remarkable men... your answer is a very immature way of responding to my request." (03:41, Houlahan)

2. Iran War: Casualties, Costs, and Catastrophe

• Operation Duration and Economic Toll:
  • Houlahan demands a timeline and price for the Iran war; Hegseth refuses, citing security.

    "You would never tell your adversary... how long you would be committed to the mission?" (04:29, Hegseth)

  • Later, it’s revealed the war has already cost $25 billion, with severe global energy repercussions due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade. (15:44–16:37)
• American Promises vs. Reality:
  • Bajal notes that Trump’s campaign promised “no more Middle East wars” and “lower prices,” but the opposite has happened.

    "The American people voted for a promise not to get into Middle Eastern wars... this is the exact opposite of what they got." (05:35, Bajal)

3. Chain of Command, War Crimes, and Unlawful Orders

• “No Quarter” Statement:
  • Hegseth is pressed by several members about his reported command for “no quarter” (i.e., no mercy, kill surrendering enemy), which is a war crime.

    "On March 13... you said 'we will give them no quarter, no mercy'... No quarter... is a war crime under the Geneva Conventions." (07:45, Moulton)

• Lawful Orders:
  • Houlahan seeks a clear answer on whether Hegseth believes the military should ever follow unlawful orders. Hegseth states,

    “I do, but understand what you're insinuating at a partisan point.” (07:11, Hegseth)

4. Military Failures & Troop Safety

• Troop Deaths and Survivors:
  • Multiple Congressmembers read survivor testimony after a devastating attack that killed six U.S. soldiers. Survivors say their base had “none” of the basic defenses.

    "No counter drone capabilities... not even the basic overhead protection that you and I had 20 years ago in Iraq. And now six of our soldiers are dead." (10:44, Democratic Congressmember)

  • Hegseth attempts to deflect, grows visibly agitated, and accuses Congressmembers of smear tactics.

    “Because you yell doesn’t make you right.” (12:40, Hegseth)
    “Those soldiers are braver than you are.” (13:18, Democratic Congressmember)

5. Evasion, Deflection, and Biden Obsession

• Congressmembers repeatedly challenge Hegseth’s evasive responses, especially around questions of accountability, economic costs, and past predictions on Ukraine.
  • When pressed on Ukraine, Hegseth blames President Biden for past outcomes, avoiding direct answers.

    “Joe Biden, Joe Biden, Joe Biden. What does Joe Biden have to do with any of it?” (19:32, Narrator/Host)

6. Trump’s Mental State and Social Media

• Unhinged Leadership:
  • Hegseth refuses to discuss or explain Trump’s erratic social media posts, including a notorious “Jesus” post.

    “I’m not here to explain posts. We have an incredible commander in chief.” (31:38, Hegseth)

  • Asked if Trump is mentally stable:

    “Most insightful commander in chief we’ve had in generations.” (33:04, Hegseth)

7. Command Culture, Accountability, and Corruption

• Chain-of-Command Disruption:
  • Congressmembers emphasize that firing top military leaders mid-conflict, overruling military investigations (e.g., 101st Airborne/Kid Rock helicopter), and using unapproved communication apps all undermine military culture and accountability.

    “How does canceling a command-initiated review by the 101st Airborne Leadership support a culture of accountability?” (35:32, Democratic Congressmember)

8. Memorable Exchanges & Notable Quotes

• On Leadership:
  • “Maybe we should be questioning your mental stability. Maybe you are the one responsible for this failure.” (30:10, Congressmember Jacobs)
• On War Justification:
  • “What would it cost to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear bomb? Do you. What would you pay?” (21:37, Hegseth to Khanna)

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Notable Timestamps & Segments

• 02:12: Bajal: “You were incompetent then, you're incompetent now...”
• 03:41: Houlahan: “You have no way of explaining why you fired one of the most decorated and remarkable men...”
• 04:29: Houlahan demands cost/timeline for the war.
• 05:35: Bajal: “The American people voted for a promise not to get into Middle Eastern wars...”
• 07:45: Moulton on “no quarter”/war crime statement.
• 10:44–13:18: Survivor testimony—failure to protect U.S. troops, Hegseth anger.
• 15:44–16:37: Smith: $25 billion spent, Pentagon finally confirms.
• 19:32: Hegseth deflects to Biden on Ukraine.
• 21:37: Hegseth refuses to quantify economic pain of war: “What would you pay to ensure Iran doesn’t get a nuclear bomb?”
• 30:10: Jacobs: “Maybe we should be questioning your mental stability.”
• 31:38: Hegseth on Trump’s posts: “I'm not here to explain posts.”
• 33:04: Hegseth: “Most insightful commander in chief we’ve had in generations.”
• 35:32: Overruling 101st Airborne command review/Kid Rock incident.

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Memorable Moments & Podcast Tone

• The Meiselas brothers infuse the episode with incredulity, dark humor, and frustration at Hegseth’s evasions, repeatedly highlighting the disconnect between administration spin and reality.
• The podcast has a sharp, acerbic style—bluntly calling out what the hosts describe as “authoritarian tactics, incompetence, and gaslighting.”
• The congressional clips feature many fiery moments, sharp retorts, and palpable exasperation, often punctuated by Hegseth’s raised voice as he faces withering critiques from all sides.

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Conclusion

This episode offers a rapid-fire, inside-the-hearing-room look at the Trump administration’s war in Iran, the erosion of norms, skyrocketing costs, and the corrosion of military leadership. Through the brothers’ pointed commentary and the relentless questioning of Congressmembers, Secretary Hegseth’s evasions—and the broader lack of accountability—are put on full display, leaving listeners with a sobering view of U.S. democracy under siege.

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For listeners wanting to catch key moments, see the above timestamps and direct quotes. The MeidasTouch Podcast remains a must-listen for anyone seeking unvarnished accountability and analysis in American politics.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Host]

just cracked under pressure during his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. He was flailing, he was yelling. He was looking like a cornered rat. Let me show you what went down during this pitch perfect cross examination of Hegseth. First, you had Democratic Congress member Car Bajal cross examine Hegseth and also pointing out just how incompetent Hegseth is. Here, play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember Bajal]

Mr. Hegseth, I stand by what I said. Last time you were here. You were incompetent then, you're incompetent now, and you're the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to incompetence. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

Gentleman yields back.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Chairman.

[Pete Hegseth]

Other than that, I'm doing gentlemen, thank you.

[Narrator/Host]

Next you had Democratic Congresswoman Houlahan cross examine Hegseth as he refused to say why General Randy George, the former army chief of Staff, was fired via text message by Hegseth. Here, play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

So I will move on and I'm going to reclaim my time. General George, let's talk about a guy who's a patriot, somebody who every single person here in this dais and down there in that audience and out there in this world has huge admiration for. Why did he get fired?

[Pete Hegseth]

Well, as with any moves we make with general officers, first of all, I thank them for their service.

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

And ultimately my impression is you thanked him by a text or a phone call. You didn't even do it to his face.

[Pete Hegseth]

Out of respect for these officers, we never talk about the nature of their removal, but every one of them, including myself, knows that they serve at the pleasure of the president. 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.

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

So you, General George, destroyed a culture.

[Pete Hegseth]

There are many. We've gotten rid of many general officers in this administration because we need new leadership.

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

You have no way of explaining why you fired one of the most decorated and remarkable men whose we needed new leaders leadership.

[Pete Hegseth]

That's right.

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

And so your answer is a very immature way of responding to my my request.

[Narrator/Host]

Further, during the cross examination by Congresswoman Houlahan, Hegseth refused to say how many more months would be required to conclude the catastrophic and disastrous war in Iran. Play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

Despite the fact that your recent comments indicate that operations appear to be finished, it's clear there clearly is more work that needs to be done. As mentioned, today is indeed 60 days. So Mr. Secretary, how many more months, just order of magnitude do you think that you're going to need to be able to conclude operations successfully? And how many more billions of dollars do you think you're going to ask this body for?

[Pete Hegseth]

Well, as you know, and as the president has stated, you would never tell your adversary, especially once you realize that

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

is the line that you always give

[Pete Hegseth]

me an order, decimated their military and you control their straight how long you would be committed to the mission?

[Narrator/Host]

Next Democratic Congressmember Vindman Cross examined Hegseth and said so. Hegseth, are you blaming your daddy now for this war? Trump's your daddy. You blaming daddy. Here, play this clip for President Trump.

[Pete Hegseth]

Overwhelmingly they voted for that.

[Democratic Congressmember Bajal]

But the president ordered the strike, is that correct?

[Pete Hegseth]

Which strike are you referring to the

[Democratic Congressmember Bajal]

strike on Iran, the war that we're in.

[Pete Hegseth]

Oh, of course. I mean, he's the commander in chief. He's made sounds like the calls.

[Democratic Congressmember Bajal]

It sounds like you're blaming daddy for the mess we're in and I don't think he's going to be particularly happy with you.

[Pete Hegseth]

I see what you're trying to do. There's no daylight in this administration on this.

[Democratic Congressmember Bajal]

You've been admonished shoulder to shoulder with this. Reclaiming my time.

[Narrator/Host]

More from Democratic Congressmember Vinmin here as well, saying you believe that the American people voted for this catastrophic war in Iran. That's what you testified to during your opening statement. Watch this. Play this clip close.

[Democratic Congressmember Bajal]

And so I just want to kind of give you the state of play right now. It's been two months of war. We have hopes for a resolution, but the war continues, really. Iran has closed the strait and we've now gone in and blockaded their ports. One fifth of the world's oil is unable to transit the strait and the American people and the department are paying significantly more. And you also said that this is what the American people actually voted for. But actually the American people voted for a promise not to get into Middle Eastern wars and they voted for lower prices and this is the exact opposite of what they got. So let me ask you this. The president ordered the strike, is that correct?

[Pete Hegseth]

The president's been saying for over 30 years that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. So he's been very clear as a position when they're American people voted for President Trump. Overwhelmingly, they voted for that.

[Democratic Congressmember Bajal]

But the president ordered the strike, is that correct?

[Narrator/Host]

And then we heard this cross examination from Democratic Congress member Goodlander and she was saying, so do you agree with the statement that the military should not follow unlawful orders? And then Hanks is like what a partisan talking point that is. Here, play this clip of American law

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

that our service members follow lawful orders and lawful orders only. Is that right? Do you agree with the statement, quote, the military won't follow unlawful orders?

[Pete Hegseth]

I do.

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

Mr. Hegseth, do you agree with that statement?

[Pete Hegseth]

I do, but understand what you're insinuating at a partisan point.

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

I'm not. I'm actually quoting you directly, Mr. Hegseth, from April 12, 2016. And I appreciate that on the record you've clarified this important principle of America.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Dinlage. Times expired.

[Narrator/Host]

Next up, Democratic Congress member Moulton, a veteran himself, was cross examining Hegseth. Hegseth was standing by his no quarter statement, which is a war crime or hegset said that if in a war, people are surrendering, you are allowed to kill them and show them no quarter. Watch this cross examination by Moulton here.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

Play this clip now, quickly, on March 13, in a press conference, you said, we will give them no quarter. No mercy in order for. No quarter or no survivors is a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. You, you understand that's murder. Do you stand by that statement?

[Pete Hegseth]

The Department of War fights to win, and we ensure that our war fighters have the rules of engagement necessary to be as effective as humanly possible.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

You called Democratic members of Congress to be tried for sedition for reminding our troops to follow law. But when you tell them to commit a war crime, you stand by yourself

[Pete Hegseth]

for insinuating the laws that we're giving them are law firms.

[Narrator/Host]

It's more cross examination from Moulton right here. Let's play it.

[Pete Hegseth]

Okay, so let's just, just imagine which, by the way, if they had one, which the Obama administration allowed them, including

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

the first Trump admin. They had prevented them from having a nuclear weapon. So listen, how is this war going? Do you think we're winning militarily?

[Pete Hegseth]

On the battlefield, it's been an astounding military success.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

But are we winning the war?

[Pete Hegseth]

Absolutely.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

Okay, so do you call Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz winning?

[Pete Hegseth]

Well, I would say the blockade that we hold, that doesn't allow anything to come in or out of Iranian ports.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

Okay.

[Pete Hegseth]

So always.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

So we blockaded their blockade. So they blockaded us, and then we blockaded their blockade. That's like saying, tag, you're it. Or, you know, if President Madison has said, well, the British just burned down Washington, but don't worry, we're going to burn it down as well.

[Narrator/Host]

Then we heard from another veteran on this committee, Democratic Congressmember d' Aluzio from the Pittsburgh region. Watch his cross examination of Hegseth right here. Play this clip about this.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

Earlier you said in, I think, your press conference, essentially, and I'll quote you here, no quarter, no mercy for our enemies. That's the end of the quote. Is your guidance that you expect our troops in harm's way? If there's a foreign enemy surrendering, laying down their arms, they're supposed to provide no quarter and kill them.

[Pete Hegseth]

You denied it, but you were indeed trying to take the chairman to a partisan place. That was General Milley. That was the previous administration which played politics. We don't play.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

That's a simple question I'm asking.

[Pete Hegseth]

And we ensure the rules of engagements are such that our, that our troops have every authority possible.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

I'll give you another chance. Do you in saying that, are you trying to tell commanders that that's what you expect? You're in the chain of command? It's a simple question.

[Pete Hegseth]

I understand that my commanders know exactly what the guidance is with each and every mission. And they know every tool accurate.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

I think you speak volumes. I think that's a dangerous thing. We all know the expectations. We know the law of war. We know what is lawful. I'd expect our commanders to understand that as well. I yield back.

[Narrator/Host]

And then another veteran Democratic congress member, Ryan was cross examining Hegseth watch what went down.

[Pete Hegseth]

Let's play this clip maximized across the theater.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Let's talk about what defenses they had prior to the attack. Officers on the ground knew our troops were vulnerable. In fact, they requested additional force protection. Did they receive it

[Pete Hegseth]

wherever humanly possible? Force protection encounter UAs always made available.

[Democratic Congressmember]

They did not. In fact, when asked to describe the base's defense, one survivor who's come forward from the unit said, quote, I mean, I would put it in the none category from a drone defense capability. None. So let's be clear. No counter drone capabilities, no counter rocket systems, no counter mortar or counter artillery, not even the basic overhead protection that you And I had 20 years ago in Iraq. And now six of our soldiers are dead. The next day you downplayed the attack. You said it was a squirter that squeaked through fortified defenses. But since then, thankfully, brave survivors have come forward to set the record straight. One of our surviving soldiers told CBS quote, painting a picture that one squeaked through is a falsehood. Another said the unit was, quote, unprepared to provide any defense for itself. It was not a fortified position. Another survivor said the building's protection was about as weak as one gets. Secretary Hegseth, that is obviously in direct contradiction to what you said from the Pentagon podium the next day. So are you saying that these soldiers, our soldiers who survived this horrific attack are lying?

[Pete Hegseth]

What I'm saying is before the commencement of the conflict, we put in maximum defensive posture. We could move 70 in this. In this directing. Can I speak or you just got a monologue? Falsehoods all over the place.

[Democratic Congressmember]

It's not a falsehood.

[Pete Hegseth]

We moved 7,500 troops claiming my time on the intel.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Stop. Based on the intel reclaiming my time.

[Pete Hegseth]

Because you yell doesn't make you right. Just because you yell doesn't make you right.

[Democratic Congressmember]

My time. On behalf of these survivors, you just said what they said is a falsehood.

[Pete Hegseth]

There's a much larger picture. There's a much larger picture at play here that included integrated air defenses, bunkers, moving people off.

[Democratic Congressmember]

And why, Mr. Secretary.

[Pete Hegseth]

Sure. That they were not part of the target. We moved those troops and all across the theater, thousands of troops off the X off of their bases because we knew what Iran was going to try to strike and we knew there was a tragic moment. It could be a tragic moment where something could get through. Of course, that's the consequence of conflict. And we remember those six every single day.

[Democratic Congressmember]

I want to finish.

[Pete Hegseth]

Don't play games with.

[Democratic Congressmember]

I'm not playing games. I want to finish one more quote from a survivor of the attack and this on the record. Telling the truth is important and we're not going to learn from these mistakes if we pretend these mistakes didn't happen. Secretary Hegseth, those soldiers told the truth. Those soldiers are braver than you are.

[Pete Hegseth]

I commend.

[Democratic Congressmember]

They are asking for accountability. They deserve accountability. And I'm asking for the same, starting with you. And as I said a year ago, you need to resign immediately.

[Pete Hegseth]

I commend those.

[Democratic Congressmember]

I yield back.

[Narrator/Host]

More cross examination from Democratic Congressmember d' Aluzio right here. Let's play it.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

Secretary, you heard direct quotes from some of them via CBS's reporting. They were willing to talk to the press. Things like they were unprepared, providing defense for themselves in the unit. Things like we were moved closer to Iran to a deeply unsafe area that was a known target. Your spokesperson, Sean Parnell, in response to that reporting said it was not true.

[Democratic Congressmember Bajal]

You agree with that?

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

He's calling these guys liars.

[Pete Hegseth]

I'm not calling our troops liars. And I don't know if what you're representing is correct or not. I'll take you at your word on that. But all I know is that we took every effort possible at the commencement of this campaign to ensure the defense of our troops to include moving them off of known bases to places that were not known. And we had until understood, Secretary. And then those were fortified with bunkers, other fortifications with theater air defenses. Was our concern that something.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

I'm going to pause you there. I'm going to give you a chance.

[Pete Hegseth]

Absolutely.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

So I'm going to give you a

[Pete Hegseth]

disparaging me that I don't care.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

I'm asking you whether you think they're liars or not. That's what I ask.

[Pete Hegseth]

You are disparaging me that I don't care about the passing of our troops. Nope.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

They're liar.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

Terry.

[Pete Hegseth]

That's disparaging. And smearing in every way. Nobody cares more about the fate of our troops. Nobody cares about the health of our troops. Nobody wants to bring them all hope.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Secretary, I understand, but he controls the time. He controls the time. You get to control your answer.

[Pete Hegseth]

And the gentleman's ready if we're allowed to answer.

[Democratic Congressmember d'Aluzio]

Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Secretary. My question was clear whether you thought they were liars or not, you don't seem to want to answer it. We can move on then, under questioning

[Narrator/Host]

by the ranking member on this committee, Democratic Congress member smith. Finally, a DoD official in the Trump regime admits that the Iran war has already cost at least $25 billion. Let's play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

Just drag you into the conversation here. We have not yet received from the Pentagon the costs of the war. So just for the record, we'd like to get that as soon as possible. Certainly the munitions expended, but also underreported is we've had a fair amount of equipment destroyed, including two C130s with the rescue of our downed airmen. So do you have either, A, a cost estimate coming to us anytime soon, or B, a specific supplemental request?

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Thank you for that question. So approximately this day, we're spending about $25 billion on Operation EPIC Fury. Most of that is ammunitions. There's part of that. It's obviously O and M and equipment replacement. We will formulate a supplemental through the White House that will come to Congress once we have a full assessment of the cost of the conflict.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

So you're saying the full cost at this point is 25 billion?

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Yeah, that's our estimate for the cost.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

Okay. Interesting, because we. I'm glad you answered that question because we've been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one's given us the number. So if you could get those detail details over to us, that. That would be great.

[Narrator/Host]

More cross examination right here from Congressmember Smith. And you'll see that Hegseth really ran into trouble throughout this cross examination. He claimed that Iran's nuclear facilities were obliterated. But then when Smith pointed out, well, how are they obliterated? But you claim that their nuclear capabilities posed an imminent threat, to which Higsett then compared to, well, they have nuclear ambitions. Their ambitions were an imminent threat, but they had all of these conventional ballistic and cruise missiles like North Korea. Well, he said, thanks for bringing up North Korea, where Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un exchanged love letters and Kim Jong Un ultimately was able to build nuclear weapons. And now he's apparently bragging about producing 10 nuclear warheads like a month and building the largest nuclear arsenal. But because Donald Trump's so utterly pathetic and because our media is so compliant, nobody really talks about that other than independent media and us here at the My Touch network leading the way. Here, play this clip.

[Pete Hegseth]

Who's hell bent on getting a nuclear weapon and get them to a point where they're at the table giving it up in a way that. So they haven't, haven't.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

So they haven't broken yet. Okay, we haven't gotten there yet. For all of the.

[Pete Hegseth]

Well, their nuclear facilities have been obliterated underground. They're buried and watching 24 7. So we know where any nuclear material.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

Reclaiming my time. We're watching a second here. We had to start this war, you just said 60 days ago because the nuclear weapon was an imminent threat. Now you're saying that it was completely obliterated.

[Pete Hegseth]

They had not given up their nuclear ambitions and they had a conventional shield of thousands.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

So Operation Midnight, nothing of substance.

[Pete Hegseth]

It left.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

You're not seeing the point place we were before so much so their facilities

[Pete Hegseth]

are bombed and obliterated, their ambitions continued and they're building a conventional shield.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

Let me try again.

[Pete Hegseth]

It's the North Korea strategy. You know this very well. The North Korea strategy was use conventional missiles to prevent anybody from challenging them so they could slow walk their way to a weapon. President Trump saw Iran at its weakest moment, took an action to ensure in a way that only the United States of America could do with our Israeli partners. And yet to ensure they haven't shield was was brought one other question we've done.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

If I could get to it.

[Narrator/Host]

More cross examination here from Democratic Congressmember Adam Smith of Hegseth where Smith's like how are you just so wrong on Ukraine, right. 14 months ago, didn't you say that Ukraine was going to be completely conquered by Russia so they better make the best deal they could. Like you're objectively don't know what you're talking about. How do you square that to which hex is like Joe Biden, Joe Biden, Joe Biden. What does Joe Biden have to do

[Democratic Congressmember]

with any of it?

[Narrator/Host]

Makes no sense. Here, play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

So on Ukraine a year plus ago, your advice, the president's advice was Ukraine had no cards to play. They should go cut the best possible deal they could. Clearly that was wrong. What did you miss, what did you miss about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine that you didn't see that Ukraine was going to be capable of doing what they've done in the last 14 months.

[Pete Hegseth]

What we didn't miss, and we're here in this committee, is that Joe Biden, with no accountability, gave hundreds of billions of dollars of our weapons to Ukraine to an outcome that never would have happened if President Trump was president. So he pulled out our. You guys don't talk about that. Ultimately, President Trump believes there should be a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

But you didn't expect Ukraine to be where they're at right now. I'm asking you just from a strategic

[Pete Hegseth]

standpoint, I think the Ukrainians have shown great courage and I appreciate that Europe is now paying for the web, any weapons that we provide.

[Democratic Congressmember Smith]

All right, I yield back. Thank you.

[Narrator/Host]

And we heard from Democratic Congressmember Ro Khanna, who questioned Hegseth about the costs of this war. And Hegseth just found it funny. Exit was laughing that you and all the American people out there and people throughout the world are suffering economically because of Donald Trump and this despicable war. Play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

How much did it cost American taxpayers in terms of the strike to the Iranian school where kids were killed? Do you have that number in terms of the missiles we used?

[Pete Hegseth]

As I've said, that unfortunate situation remains under investigation. You don't know how it's investigation, but I wouldn't tie a cost to that to anything.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

It's a reasonable question. No, sir. I mean, our taxpayer money was going there. Do you know how much it will cost Americans in terms of their increased cost in gas and food over the next year because of the Iran war?

[Pete Hegseth]

I would simply ask you what the cost is of an Iranian nuclear.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

I'm going to give you that.

[Pete Hegseth]

I would simply ask you what the plane got you. Questions about domestic things. I'm not.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

You're asking. You're saying it's a gotcha question to ask what it's going to be in terms of the increased.

[Pete Hegseth]

Why won't you answer what it costs to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

I'll give you that, sir.

[Pete Hegseth]

But let me what would it cost? What would you pay to ensure Iran doesn't get a nuclear bomb? Do you. What would you pay?

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

I reclaim my time. Do you not know? You had no one do the analysis of what the increased cost of gas and food and the American people are going to be.

[Pete Hegseth]

What is the cost Iran holding that straight at issue with nuclear weapons, it's

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

$631 billion, which means it's an increase of $5,000 a year for American households. Now, let me give you this point. You're saying that Your operation is preventing a nuclear Iran. Will you acknowledge that there is an economic cost to the American people for doing what you believe is necessary to make Iran denuclear? Will you acknowledge the economic cost?

[Pete Hegseth]

We have an incredible economic team that's managing this better than any. What the previous administration did to our economy, the previous administration did for the.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

You know what's upsetting, Covid?

[Pete Hegseth]

And you're gonna lecture this about the economy?

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

You know what is upsetting?

[Pete Hegseth]

Incredible.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

You didn't even do the analysis on how much it's costing the American people. It's one thing if you said, okay, it costs the American people $5,000, but we think it's worth it. That's what we've done in World War II and other wars. Here's what it costs. You got to pay for it. You don't even know what the average American is paying. You don't know what we paid in terms of the missiles that hit the Iranian school. You don't know what we're paying in terms of gas. You don't know what we're paying in terms of food. Your 25 billion number is totally off. It's the incompetence.

[Narrator/Host]

You think that's a gotcha question? Ask the Americans right now who can't afford gas, can't afford groceries, whose house may just about to be in foreclosure, who may be evicted. Tell them that's a gotcha question. Hegseth. More cross examination here from Ro Khanna. Let's play it.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

Because you said you won't get us into bad wars. You said you wouldn't. You would bring down the prices. You know what I'm sad for? I'm sad for all the people who voted for Trump. I'm sad for them because you betrayed them. You've betrayed a lot of that MAGA base. And you know who knows that? J.D. vance knows that.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Gentleman.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Times recognizes this gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bacon.

[Pete Hegseth]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[Narrator/Host]

Then, under some questioning from Congresswoman to Kuda, Hegson said that Los Angeles would have been on fire last summer if the military didn't intervene. We would have been on fire here. I'm in Los Angeles. We would not have been on fire. We were perfectly beautiful. We didn't need you here. In fact, you made things horrible like you did throughout the rest of the country, you fascists. Here, play this clip years ago.

[Democratic Congressmember Takuda]

Okay. Very good. All right. Well, Secretary Hegseth, if President Trump ordered you to deploy troops to polling places during the midterm elections this fall, which would violate the law I just cited. Would you implement his order? Yes or no?

[Pete Hegseth]

What you're trying to insinuate is that the president would give unlawful orders and we would somehow deploy troops as a result. And the evidence of our department is that we've worked alongside law enforcement very effectively for 15 months. Los Angeles would have been on fire for the summer had we not come across. I humbly disagree with that.

[Democratic Congressmember Takuda]

But this is not a hypothetical situation that I'm inferring on. Your president, in January of this year, told the New York Times that he regretted not ordering the National Guard to seize voting machines in key states after the 2020 election.

[Narrator/Host]

More questioning from Takuda right here. Let's play.

[Democratic Congressmember Takuda]

This clip of voting places was 250 years ago. We're talking 2020. So if the President, again I'm asking you, orders you to break election law, violate the Constitution and the law, would you follow the orders of the President, yes or no?

[Pete Hegseth]

The president you like to insinuate that the President issued.

[Democratic Congressmember Takuda]

It's a simple question. Would you follow the President or Constitution?

[Pete Hegseth]

I will note that in 2024 troops were. Joe Biden, by the way, were deployed to polling locations in 15 states. 2024 Joe Biden troops deployed to polling locations in 15 states. Explain that one to me.

[Democratic Congressmember Takuda]

I am asking you a question. Now, you seem to really like Joe Biden. You've brought his name up more than many other topics today. Answer the question.

[Narrator/Host]

Really? Hexip. Biden put army. Put the army in polling locations. I mean, these people live in their fake dystopian world that just doesn't exist. And they want us to conform to all of their lies. It's such garbage. They're such garbage humans, these people. More cross examination from Takuda right here. Let's play it.

[Democratic Congressmember Takuda]

Answer the question. Who are you beholden to, Mr. Secretary, the President or the Constitution?

[Pete Hegseth]

Well, I'm very proud. Very proudly serve as President. Very proudly swear an oath in Los Angeles.

[Democratic Congressmember Takuda]

He couldn't answer that either. So I think our answer is very clear. Obviously, you have taken a loath of loyalty only to the President and not the people of this country.

[Narrator/Host]

Then we got additional questioning from Democratic Congressmember Moulton where Hegseth is asked if he considered the risk of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz ahead of time. Watch his response.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Play this clip of military options that are carefully considered with the associated risks with those options and the considerations therein.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

So, Mr. Secretary, did you consider this risk?

[Pete Hegseth]

Of course. This department has looked at all aspects of this risk and then why is

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

this Department sweepers, the only minesweepers we had in the Gulf to Singapore weeks before the war started.

[Pete Hegseth]

We have lots of capabilities that you may or may not be aware of.

[Democratic Congressmember Khanna]

Aware of.

[Pete Hegseth]

At the classified level.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

Okay.

[Pete Hegseth]

And deal with. To deal with.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

By the way, would the Trump class battleships have helped with this?

[Pete Hegseth]

You're talking about a prospective future battleship which we welcome in the fleet.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

Okay, so you're supportive of the. Of the battleships?

[Pete Hegseth]

Yes, sir.

[Democratic Congressmember Moulton]

Okay, then.

[Narrator/Host]

Under questioning from Congresswoman Strickland, Hegseth repeatedly refuses to explain why General Randy George was removed from his position in the

[Pete Hegseth]

middle of the war.

[Narrator/Host]

Why would you remove a four star Army Chief of staff, one of the most beloved people in our military, if not the most beloved? Were you jealous of him? You pathetic. You pathetic stooge, you. Here, play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember]

No one is disputing that senior officers serve at the pleasure of civilian leadership. The issue in front of this is whether the decision to remove General Randy George strengthened the army or created an avoidable disruption during an active operational period. General George, who also served as Commanding General at 1st Corps at JBLM, has been serving for four decades, including multiple command and operational leadership roles, culminating as Chief of Staff of the army, responsible for readiness, force modernization, and the welfare of over a million soldiers and civilians. He was removed in the middle of an active conflict involving US Operations against Iran, when leadership continuity is most critical. Look, Reporting indicates that General George's removal may have followed disagreements over army personnel matters, including concerns regarding withheld promotions. So my question, Secretary, is this. What specific national security risk, mission risk, or leadership concern? Did General George present that justified removing him in the middle of a conflict? Or was he removed because he challenged some decisions being made?

[Pete Hegseth]

As I stated earlier, out of respect to these officers, I don't discuss the nature of the removal. But I would ask an earnest question of you. Where does General George fall in the operational chain of command?

[Democratic Congressmember]

So I'm asking you, why did you fire him? Don't change.

[Pete Hegseth]

You talked about. You talked about an operational moment. Where does General George fall? No, it's a simple question. You're on the House.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Leadership concern. What did he present that justified removing him in the middle of a conflict?

[Pete Hegseth]

You know where General George serves on the operational chain of command.

[Democratic Congressmember]

So, ma', am, you ask you my question one more time. Sir, don't try to flip it on me. Why was he removed? Was he a national security risk, mission risk, or leadership concern?

[Pete Hegseth]

We don't.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Yes or no.

[Pete Hegseth]

We don't talk about the nature of removals. But you also won't answer where it is in the operational chain of command because he isn't in it. He isn't in the operational change.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Lady reclaims your time.

[Pete Hegseth]

You want to tie it to the war, but you don't even know where he is.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

The gentle lady from Washington's time, then

[Narrator/Host]

Congresswoman Jacobs just went off on him.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Let's play it the same courage that Democrats had. Mr. Secretary, you keep saying that he is the, the best commander in chief we've ever had. The best of the troops. Thirteen American troops have died. More than 380 have been wounded. The Strait of Hormuz, which was wide open, is now closed. Less than 90% of traffic through the strait is still not going, despite the ceasefire. The Iranian regime is still in power. It still has nuclear material. The war is costing Americans billions of dollars. And Mr. Secretary, if you think that this is what winning looks like, then maybe we should be questioning your mental stability. Maybe you are the one responsible for this failure and the President should think about replacing you. Mr. Chairman, I yield.

[Democratic Congressmember Houlahan]

Back

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

from Virginia, Ms. Kiggins.

[Narrator/Host]

Hanks had refused to explain Donald Trump's Jesus post. Let's play it well.

[Democratic Congressmember]

I want you to know this is not a partisan thing. In fact, many, many Democrats have had many, many Republicans have had these same questions. Marjorie Taylor Greene said he's out of control and he's gone inside insane. Candace owens said the 25th Amendment needs to be invoked. Megan Kelly, Tucker Carlson, who used to work with Alex Jones, Stephanie Grisham, the list could go on. So how do I explain to my constituents that while they are in harm's way, their commander in chief is posting these unhinged posts?

[Pete Hegseth]

How did you explain to your constituents what happened on October or what happened in Afghanistan or what happened with the debacle and the withdrawal in Afghanistan where the troops were left? How did you explain that, Mr. Secretary? How did you explain that to the that didn't get medals, that we restored their medals because of that disaster in Afghanistan? Did you explain that to your constituents when Joe Biden was asleep at the wheel and he had an able.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Okay, Mr. Secretary, I don't think he did. Next post. How can I explain this next post to my constituents? I'm Jewish, so this doesn't really bother me, but my understanding is that this is quite offensive to many Christians. So how do you explain this post?

[Pete Hegseth]

I'm not here to explain post. We have an incredible commander in chief, okay, who puts our troops first. I'm here for a budget hearing about our troops this is, this is historic budget that's getting a chance to.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Mr. Secretary, adversaries.

[Pete Hegseth]

President Trump is doing that. This is world class fashion.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

This is a young lady who's reclaimed her time. Mr. Secretary.

[Democratic Congressmember]

This is about our troops. This is about who is commanding our troops and if our troops can trust that they are being sent into harm's way under good strategy. The mental stability of our commander in chief is deeply important to our troops. It's deeply important to this country. It is.

[Pete Hegseth]

It wasn't important to you during Joe Biden's sake.

[Democratic Congressmember]

I'll remind you that when there were concerns, Democrats came together and he was not our nominee for president. So I encourage you to do have the same courage that Democrats had.

[Narrator/Host]

But Hegset says, oh, Donald Trump is the sharpest commander in chief we've had in generations. Play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember]

So Mr. Secretary, you are with the president a lot and it pains me to even have to ask this about our president, but my constituents lives are at stake. Do you believe that the president is mentally stable enough to be the commander in chief?

[Pete Hegseth]

Did you ask the same question of Joe Biden for four years?

[Democratic Congressmember]

Mr. Secretary, Joe Biden is not the president. Mr. Trump has been president for a year and a half.

[Pete Hegseth]

And I'm asking you, and I won't even engage with the level of disparagement that you're putting on the commander in chief, who indeed is, I mean, every,

[Democratic Congressmember]

I mean Mr. Secretary, single day. Mr. Secretary, Biden is not the president

[Pete Hegseth]

most insightful commander in chief we've had in generations. And you want to compare, I mean, you want to ask that question after you and your fellow Democrats defended Joe Biden who could barely speak as you know, he governs an auto pen. We had a secretary of defense who went AWOL for a week. I can't respond for 10 days.

[Democratic Congressmember]

I will reclaim my time.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

10 ladies time reclaimed.

[Narrator/Host]

There was some other line of questioning also to some of the other individuals at that table that's worth pointing out. Like when the undersecretary of defense, basically the comptroller wouldn't answer if he had signal. And then General Kane said that he had signal on his phone but wouldn't say, but then he wanted to change his answer. Well, maybe I have it on my personal. I don't know if I have it on my military. Like all these people are so freaking compromised. Play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Mr. Hearst, do you have signal on your phone?

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

I'm sorry, why is this relevant?

[Democratic Congressmember]

Do you have signal on your phone?

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

What does this have to do with the Budget.

[Democratic Congressmember]

I'm going to take that as a yes. Mr. Kane. Sorry. General Kane, do you have SIGNAL on your phone?

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

I do, sir, yes.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Okay, so I want to talk about signal. Last year, the Secretary and other administration officials discussed sensitive and almost certainly classified information about a strike in Yemen using the unclassified signal applied. Mr. What's the current policy for signal on official DoD devices?

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

I'm the comptroller. I don't do CIO work.

[Democratic Congressmember]

So therefore it is allowed. Is that your statement that it is now allowed to have SIGNAL on your device?

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Mr. White said, My statement is I run the budget for dod.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Yeah. Okay. Well, he's got it on his phone, so therefore it must be permitted.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Toronto. I gotta go back and look if it's on my official phone. I was talking about my personal phone. I'm not exactly sure. I'll go back and look, though.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Okay. Last month, FBI Director Cash Patel made a public announcement that Russian hackers are targeting SIGNAL app users in the government. Specifically stated they were targeting individuals of high intelligence value, including current and former U.S. government officials. I hope that it is not official policy that you can have Signal on your official phones, and I would love to get a response from the Department on that.

[Narrator/Host]

And then Secretary Hegsett said he was the one who terminated the investigation into the Apache helicopter pilots who fly Kid Rock around. Seems like on a daily basis now, these Apache helicopters are with Kid Rock. So demented, so deranged, so corrupt. Play this clip.

[Democratic Congressmember]

An investigation was Launched by the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade command leadership. But before that review is completed on March 31, you terminated it via social media posts. Did you personally direct termination of that review?

[Pete Hegseth]

I did.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Okay. Now, the President said they probably shouldn't have been doing it and that I'd take a look at it. So did you talk to the President before terminating that review?

[Pete Hegseth]

Well, I don't relay what I talk about.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Okay. I think, unfortunately, that means that you did talk to him, which in turn means that you've just confirmed the President himself overruled the leadership of the 101st Airborne. Mr. Secretary, you yourself have affirmed repeatedly the need for higher standards and higher accountability at every level of your agency. Commanders rely on established processes to uphold these standards. How does canceling a command initiated review by the 101st Airborne Leadership Support a culture of accountability? Actually, I think I'll ask that of the chairman.

[Committee Chair/Moderator]

Sir. Back to my earlier comments about the importance in my role of staying in the middle, what you're alluding to is, in my assessment, with deep respect for your ask is a partisan question, and I think it would be inappropriate for me to answer that.

[Democratic Congressmember]

Mr. Sir, I actually don't think it is. I think it is actually a fundamental principle of accountability in our department, and I think it was the wrong decision. I'm going to close by just Saying one thing, Mr. Secretary. You started this hearing by politicizing it.

[Narrator/Host]

There you have it, folks. Let me know what you think. Hit subscribe. You may think that you're subscribed, but double check that you're actually subscribed and help us hit 7 million subscribers. Thank you all so much for watching. We appreciate you so much. Want to stay plugged in? Become a subscriber to our [e-mail] you'll get daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski ad free episodes of our podcast, and more exclusive content only [e-mail].