Hegseth Cracks during Cross-Examination over War
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What happened during Pete Hegseth's cross-examination?
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just cracked under pressure during his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. He was flailing, he was yelling, he was looking like a cornered rat. Let me show you what went down during this pitch-perfect cross-examination of Hegseth. First, you had Democratic Congressmember Carba Hall cross-examine Hegseth and also pointing out just how incompetent Hegseth is. Here, play this clip.
Mr. Hegseth, I stand by what I said last time you were here. You were incompetent then, you're incompetent now, and you're the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to incompetence. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Other than that, I'm doing great.
Thank you. Next, you had Democratic Congresswoman Houlihan cross-examine Hegseth as he refused to say why General Randy George, the former army chief of staff, was fired via text message by Hegseth. Here, play this clip.
So I will move on and I'm going to reclaim my time. General George, let's talk about a guy who's a patriot, somebody who every single person here in this dais and down there in that audience and out there in this world has huge admiration for. Why did he get fired?
Well, as with any moves we make with general officers, first of all, I thanked him for their service.
And ultimately, my impression is you thanked him by a text or a phone call.
How did Congressmember Carba Hall challenge Hegseth's competence?
You didn't even do it to his face.
Out of respect for these officers, we never talk about the nature of their removal, but every one of them, including myself, knows that they serve at the pleasure of the president. Ultimately, out of respect to these officers, we don't reveal it. However, I will note, it's very difficult to change the culture of a department that has been destroyed by the wrong perspectives.
So you think General George destroyed a culture?
There are many, we've gotten rid of many general officers in this administration because we need new leadership.
You have no way of explaining why you fired one of the most decorated and remarkable men who's ever served a station. We needed new leadership. And so your answer is a very immature way of responding to my request.
Further, during the cross-examination by Congresswoman Houlihan, Hegseth refused to say how many more months would be required to conclude the catastrophic and disastrous war in Iran. Play this clip.
Despite the fact that your recent comments indicate that operations appear to be finished, there clearly is more work that needs to be done. As mentioned, today is indeed 60 days. So, Mr. Secretary, how many more months, just order of magnitude, do you think that you're going to need to be able to conclude operations successfully? And how many more billions of dollars do you think you're going to ask this body for?
As you know, and as the president has stated, you would never tell your adversary, especially once you've decimated their military and you control their trade, how long you would be committed to the mission. Next, Democratic Congress member Vindman cross-examined Hegseth and said, so Hegseth, are you blaming your daddy now for this war? Trump's your daddy. You blaming daddy? Here, play this clip. For President Trump, overwhelmingly, they voted for that position.
But the president ordered the strike. Is that correct?
Which strike are you referring to?
The strike on Iran, the war that we're in. Oh, of course.
What were the key questions from Congresswoman Houlihan?
I mean, he's the commander in chief. He's made the calls. It sounds like you're blaming daddy for the mess we're in. And I don't think he's going to be particularly happy with you.
I see what you're trying to do. There's no daylight in this administration on this campaign. And I'm happy to stand shoulder to shoulder with this administration. Reclaiming my time. More from Democratic Congress member Vindman here as well, saying you believe that the American people voted for this catastrophic war in Iran. That's what you testified to during your opening statement. Watch this. Play this clip. Close.
And so I just want to kind of give you the state of play right now.
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Chapters
5 chapters
1
What happened during Pete Hegseth's cross-examination?
0:00–1:29
2
How did Congressmember Carba Hall challenge Hegseth's competence?
1:29–3:19
3
What were the key questions from Congresswoman Houlihan?
3:19–11:06
4
What accusations did Congress member Vindman make against Hegseth?
11:06–21:03
5
How did Congress member Moulton confront Hegseth about war crimes?
21:03–35:35