Tense Exchanges at House Hearing Spotlight Divisions Over Hegseth’s Leadership

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced sharp rebukes from Democratic lawmakers during a contentious House Armed Services Committee hearing on June 12, 2025, where questions about his handling of classified information, support for Ukraine, and NATO commitments escalated into personal attacks. The session, ostensibly focused on Pentagon operations, devolved into accusations of incompetence and calls for resignation, underscoring partisan rifts in an oversight process already strained by Hegseth’s controversial tenure.

Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), a Marine Corps veteran, delivered one of the hearing’s most explosive moments, labeling Hegseth an “embarrassment to this country” and demanding he “get the hell out” of the Defense Department. Carbajal pressed Hegseth on the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles amid protests, calling it “political theater” and accusing the administration of politicizing the military against the wishes of state and local leaders. “The Marines are trained to be war fighters, not for crowd control,” Carbajal said, echoing concerns from veterans’ groups about the erosion of military neutrality.

Hegseth defended the actions as necessary to protect federal agents and facilities, insisting they were not unprecedented. He cited historical precedents, including President George H.W. Bush’s deployment during the 1992 Los Angeles riots and earlier civil rights-era interventions by Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson. “What is unprecedented is a governor and a mayor unwilling to protect law enforcement,” Hegseth countered, drawing applause from Republican members like Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (R-Tenn.), who praised the secretary for restoring “pride, strength, and respect” to the military.

The hearing’s intensity peaked during exchanges with Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), another Marine veteran, who grilled Hegseth on a Signal group chat that allegedly included classified details shared with unauthorized individuals, including a journalist, Hegseth’s wife, and brother. “You broke the law in sharing classified information and in doing so endangered the lives of our service members,” Moulton charged, demanding accountability. Hegseth maintained that all communications were authorized, but Moulton dismissed his responses as “BS answers,” reiterating calls for resignation.

Moulton’s frustration boiled over when Hegseth evaded yes-or-no questions on foreign policy. Asked if the U.S. should continue supporting Ukraine against Russia, Hegseth emphasized President Trump’s commitment to “peace,” prompting Moulton to interrupt: “Yes or no? Kindergartners can give me a yes or no.” Hegseth eventually affirmed support but reiterated a focus on negotiation. On NATO, Moulton pressed whether Hegseth would recommend fulfilling Article 5 obligations if Russia invaded an ally. After dodging, Hegseth acknowledged the treaty’s requirements.

These exchanges reflect broader criticisms of Hegseth’s February 2025 statements at a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels, where he ruled out Ukrainian membership in the alliance as “unrealistic” and urged European allies to lead security efforts. “Full Ukrainian liberation from Russia is unrealistic,” he told allies, drawing backlash from Kyiv and European partners. In the hearing, Moulton accused Hegseth of undermining U.S. commitments, but Hegseth defended the stance as promoting “peace through strength.”

The session also touched on nuclear modernization, with Rep. DeSaulnier questioning Hegseth on the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile-Nuclear (SLCM-N) program. Hegseth praised Congress for sustaining the initiative despite Biden-era cuts, noting a proposed “over 1,000 percent increase” in FY26 funding to counter evolving threats like Russia’s tactical nuclear rhetoric. Accompanied by Gen. Anthony Cotton of U.S. Strategic Command, Hegseth affirmed SLCM-N’s role in providing non-strategic response options.

Social media amplified the hearing’s drama, with clips of Carbajal’s outburst trending on X under hashtags like #GetTheHellOut and #HegsethHearing. Users debated Hegseth’s fitness, with one post from @FarmGirlCarrie garnering over 38,000 likes praising his fentanyl interdiction efforts, while critics like @PeteHegsLiver mocked his past drinking allegations. Moulton’s office later highlighted the Signal chat concerns, tying them to earlier revelations about Hegseth sharing strike details.

Hegseth’s defenders, including Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), have praised his focus on deterrence. But bipartisan unease persists; Moulton noted “national security professionals” debating Hegseth’s competence. A Guardian op-ed called his confirmation a display of Republican “servility,” while Politico highlighted “wild moments” from the process.

The hearing’s fallout extends to swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where polls show eroding trust in federal institutions. X users in Michigan linked it to election integrity concerns. As Hegseth pushes reforms, including chaplain corps changes, critics warn of politicization.

Moulton later told CNN he seeks Hegseth’s removal “as soon as possible,” citing a “cover-up.” Hegseth’s office declined comment, but his X posts emphasize military strength. With oversight intensifying, the exchanges signal turbulent times for U.S. defense policy.