Republicans fuming at Hegseth as war costs build

Key Points:

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces strong resistance from congressional Republicans in securing his $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request for the next year, amid concerns over his leadership and the ongoing Iran war.
• GOP lawmakers worry about Hegseth’s strained relationship with Congress, lack of a clear plan for additional military funding, and controversies such as blocked promotions and top official resignations at the Pentagon.
• Despite President Trump’s support, many Republicans doubt Hegseth’s ability to get his budget approved, with some senators opposing the Iran war and questioning his nominee picks for Army and Navy leadership.
• The administration is unlikely to gain Democratic support for the budget, making a Republican party-line reconciliation bill the probable path forward, though securing unanimous GOP backing remains challenging.
• Pentagon officials claim extensive bipartisan briefings have been held, but GOP frustration persists over Hegseth’s limited outreach to Democrats, potentially undermining efforts to pass the defense budget.