Hegseth backtracks on war-funding estimates at Senate hearing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth contradicted his earlier statement during a Senate hearing, denying that the Pentagon requested $200 billion in supplemental funding for military operations in Iran. Previously, Hegseth had confirmed the $200 billion figure was needed to support Operation Epic Fury and replenish munitions. The conflicting statements come amid scrutiny over the war's costs, its justification, and transparency with Congress and the public.
- ▪Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially confirmed a $200 billion funding request for military operations in Iran but later denied making such a request during a Senate hearing.
- ▪The Pentagon previously stated the funding was needed to cover costs of Operation Epic Fury and to replace depleted munitions.
- ▪Acting Defense Department Comptroller Jules Hurst reported $25 billion in war costs so far, not including damage to U.S. bases in the region.
- ▪Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker said he was unaware of the $200 billion supplemental funding request.
- ▪Public opinion polls from Ipsos indicate slightly over half of Americans believe the military action in Iran has not been worth the cost.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday that the conflict in Iran was seen by President Trump as a historic “opportunity” — and tap-danced away from his previous statements that he sought $200 billion in supplemental funding for the war. During a March 19 briefing at the Pentagon, Mr. Hegseth confirmed that the Defense Department had asked Congress for upward of $200 billion to support ongoing military operations in Iran. But when asked Thursday about the supplemental funding request before Congress, Mr. Hegseth balked. “We didn’t ask for $200 billion. I don’t know where you got that number, senator,” Mr. Hegseth said when asked about the figure by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Democrat.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Washington Times.
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