Who is Pete Hegseth? Trump’s Controversial Defence Secretary Under Fire in Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth came under intense bipartisan scrutiny this week as he appeared before both the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees. It was his first time testifying before Congress since his narrow confirmation in January, and lawmakers took the opportunity to grill him on everything from military spending to national security leaks.

Rising Defense Budget Sparks Bipartisan Alarm

Hegseth’s proposed $1 trillion defense budget drew immediate concern from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. The figure represents a steep jump from last year’s budget of $842 billion. Critics questioned the necessity of the increase, especially given the vague explanations about where the funds would go.

Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA) both pushed for clarity on high-cost items, including a Qatar-donated Boeing 747 being repurposed for use as a secondary Air Force One. Lawmakers demanded specifics on whether taxpayer funds would be used to retrofit the aircraft, but Hegseth declined to give detailed answers, citing “national security exemptions.”

Who is Pete Hegseth?

Mr Hegseth is a veteran of the Army National Guard who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and before his appointment by Mr Trump, was a popular conservative media personality.

After graduating from Princeton University in 2003, Mr Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard, serving overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as at Guantanamo Bay.

He was formerly head of the Concerned Veterans for America, a group backed by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch, and also unsuccessfully ran for the Senate in Minnesota in 2012.

Deployment of Troops to Los Angeles Under Fire

The hearings became especially tense when lawmakers questioned the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles during ongoing immigration protests. The operation, which began in May 2025, has so far cost an estimated $134 million.

Democrats such as Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) called the deployment an “abuse of executive power,” citing potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the federal government’s ability to use military forces for domestic law enforcement. Hegseth defended the decision as both legal and necessary, stating that “public safety was at risk” and that all measures had been cleared by the Department of Justice.

“Signalgate” Leak Sparks Security Investigation

Perhaps the most damaging revelation was the ongoing Pentagon Inspector General investigation into Hegseth’s use of the encrypted app Signal. The controversy—dubbed “Signalgate”—centers on Hegseth allegedly sharing sensitive military details in a group chat that included senior officials and, mistakenly, journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

Goldberg reported that the chat contained operational information on U.S. military strikes in the Middle East, including target coordinates, missile types, and timing. One message included a photo of a missile system labeled with GPS coordinates. While National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accepted responsibility for adding the journalist to the group and later resigned, pressure is mounting on Hegseth to take accountability.

Questions Over Global Strategy and Ukraine Aid

Senators also pressed Hegseth on U.S. commitments to Ukraine, as the war with Russia continues. While reaffirming support, Hegseth hinted that long-term aid may be scaled back due to budget constraints and shifting focus to the Indo-Pacific region.

He also drew fire for his past comments questioning the utility of NATO allies. “We will no longer bankroll ungrateful nations who ignore their obligations,” he told the House panel, echoing Trump-era rhetoric. Lawmakers from both parties warned that undermining NATO unity would embolden adversaries like Russia and China.

Culture War and Military Policy

Beyond policy, Hegseth’s ideological approach to military leadership was front and center. He has rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the Department of Defense and criticized efforts to integrate transgender troops and women into combat roles. His recent book, The War On Warriors, has drawn criticism for mocking gender inclusivity and questioning female combat readiness.

During the hearings, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), an Iraq War veteran, directly challenged Hegseth: “Your policies are not just offensive—they’re dangerous. You’re undermining unit cohesion.”

Past Allegations Resurface

While the hearings primarily focused on policy, several lawmakers also raised concerns about Hegseth’s past conduct, including a 2017 sexual assault allegation in California. Though no charges were filed, Hegseth privately settled with the accuser. A resurfaced 2018 email from his mother, calling him an “abuser of women,” was also mentioned, though she later recanted the statement.

In response, Hegseth dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and maintained that his “record speaks for itself.” However, watchdog groups and some legislators have called for an ethics review into his appointment.