US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth struggled to defend his position on the Iran war for the second straight day during congressional hearings. At the start of the second day, Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also appeared alongside him. During the session, senior Democratic Senator Jack Reed criticised the Pentagon’s handling of the situation.

Reed told lawmakers that the Pentagon failed to provide Donald Trump with an “accurate picture of the war on Iran.”

Democrats Highlight Public and Economic Impact

During the hearing, Reed argued that the war has not delivered real benefits to Americans. Instead, he said people are paying the price through rising fuel costs.

“American families are bearing the cost of a war they wanted nothing to do with and have gained nothing from, and yet, Secretary Hegseth, you declared victory a month ago,” he said.

The hearing took place as the Pentagon presented its record $1.45 trillion military budget during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Protests Disrupt Hearing

Meanwhile, protests briefly interrupted the proceedings on the second day. As Hegseth began his opening remarks, demonstrators shouted “war criminal” and “despicable.”

Security quickly removed the protesters, and the hearing continued without further disruption.

Democrats Accuse Hegseth of Misleading Leadership

This time, Democrats focused their criticism directly on Hegseth instead of targeting President Trump.

Reed raised concerns that Hegseth may have presented an overly positive view of the war. He warned that giving such assurances could mislead both the president and military personnel.

“I am concerned that you have been telling the President what he wants to hear instead of what he needs to hear. Bold assurances of success are a disservice to both the commander-in-chief and the troops who risked their lives based on them. Our military has performed heroically, but military force without a sound strategy is a path to long-term defeat.”

Hegseth Hits Back at Critics

In response, Hegseth strongly defended his stance. He repeated his earlier criticism of Democrats and some Republicans who oppose the war.

“As I said yesterday, and I’ll say it again today, the biggest adversary we face at this point is the reckless naysayers and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans,” he said.

He also dismissed critics as “defeatists from the cheap seats,” accusing them of undermining the military’s efforts.

Hegseth added that the US had taken on a long-standing threat and described the campaign as successful. He argued that the operation could prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Heated Exchanges Continue

Tensions remained high as Hegseth clashed with other Democratic senators, including Kirsten Gillibrand and Richard Blumenthal.

Gillibrand questioned his claim that the war had strong public support. She said many Americans oppose the conflict and raised concerns about its legitimacy.

“I don’t know if you fully appreciate how much the American people do not support this war. It’s an unauthorised war … Why do you continue to prosecute a war that the American war isn’t behind.”

Hegseth replied firmly, saying, “I believe we do have the support of the American people.”

Ongoing Tensions in Congress

Overall, the second day of hearings showed continued disagreement between Hegseth and members of Congress. Lawmakers pressed for accountability, while Hegseth defended the administration’s actions and strategy.

The sharp exchanges highlighted deep divisions in Washington over the direction and impact of the Iran war.