US Defense Secretary faces withering questions about Iran in first congressional appearance since war began
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2026 (AP) — Making his first appearance before Congress since the Trump administration went to war against Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced withering questioning Wednesday from skeptical Democrats over a costly conflict being waged without congressional approval. The war has cost $25 billion so far, according to Pentagon numbers presented to the House Armed Services Committee during a contentious hearing ostensibly focused on the administration’s 2027 military budget proposal. It would boost defense spending to a historic $1.5 trillion. While Republicans focused on the details of military budgeting and voiced support for the Iran operation, Democrats