GOP Senators Lose Confidence in Hegseth Over $37.5 Billion Iran War and Military Firings
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 27
GOP Senators Lose Confidence in Hegseth Over $37.5 Billion Iran War and Military Firings
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 27
Summary
Thom Tillis said he has “no confidence” in Pete Hegseth, accusing the defense secretary of forcing out distinguished Pentagon leaders and micromanaging the department.
Susan Collins called the dismissal of Gen. Christopher Donahue “deeply troubling,” while Shelley Moore Capito and Joni Ernst warned the public and Congress are growing weary of the unresolved Iran conflict.
The backlash lands as Hegseth seeks Senate approval for an emergency war request tied to a campaign that has already cost $37.5 billion, with Republicans holding only a narrow majority.
Lawmakers also faulted the Pentagon’s transparency on U.S. casualties and said Hegseth should have anticipated Iran’s move to close the Strait of Hormuz after Operation Epic Fury.
Roger Wicker and John Cornyn still backed Hegseth, arguing the U.S. should intensify pressure on Iran rather than retreat from the campaign.