Hegseth Clashes with Democratic Senator During Capitol Hill Hearing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparred with Senate Democrats including Jacky Rosen over troop deployments legal authority and social media influence during a tense Capitol Hill hearing .
On June 18 2025 during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Pentagon’s 2026 budget Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth entered a heated exchange with Senator Jacky Rosen D Nevada . Tensions rose when Rosen questioned Hegseth about whether he had communicated with far right influencer Laura Loomer regarding the possible dismissal of General Timothy D Haugh head of the NSA and US Cyber Command .
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Hegseth dodged the question stating “I don’t discuss who I talk about anything with” and insisted that decisions reflect his judgment in alignment with presidential authority . Rosen called the response “alarming” and pressed Hegseth on whether social media figures should have any say in Pentagon personnel matters .
When Rosen continued to demand a direct answer Hegseth interrupted saying “I believe your time is up senator .” Rosen immediately responded “It is not up to you to tell me when my time is up” and accused the Defense Secretary of being “either feckless or complicit” while criticizing what she perceived as his dismissive demeanor .
Broader Context Troops Authority and Base Renaming
The confrontation came amid broader concerns about Hegseth’s leadership particularly regarding the deployment of active duty troops to US cities including Los Angeles . Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal questioned the legality of such actions and asked whether similar deployments were planned in other regions .
Hegseth declined to provide specific figures but emphasized the Department of Defense’s readiness and commitment to presidential directives even suggesting that lower court rulings could be overruled unless the Supreme Court intervened .
Other issues discussed included the renaming of military bases and growing concern over politicization within the Pentagon’s senior appointments .
Implications and Reactions
The clash underscored rising tensions between Congressional oversight and executive military authority . Rosen’s sharp rebuke spotlighted increasing fears about the role of partisan influence and social media personalities in defense decisions .
With ongoing concerns about potential military action abroad and the use of troops at home lawmakers signaled they may push for greater accountability . As scrutiny of Hegseth intensifies the balance between civilian leadership and military compliance faces renewed challenge .