Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., told Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday that he has failed U.S. troops.
Watch the clip in the video player above.
“The Strait of Hormuz is still closed, reminding everybody it was open before the war. Prices were lower for everybody until the war, … and of course, tragically, people, service members, our warfighters who we care deeply about, are still dying. So what’s different?” Peters asked Hegseth.
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Hegseth said Peters’ characterization of the war “as a failure is reckless.” He said Peters’ statement “smears the sacrifice” troops are making “on behalf of the American people to ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.”
Peters pushed back.
“You, sir, are the failure, not the men and women who are on that front line, not the men and women who hold up their honor with distinction,” he told Hegseth. “If there’s a lack of a winning strategy, they’re in harm’s way, their leaders have failed them, and that’s what’s happening.”
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Hegseth told Peters to “show some leadership” and agree to fund the Department of Defense. The Trump administration has requested $87.6 billion in supplemental funding, the bulk of which would be used for the U.S. war with Iran.
“It’s not a question of money. It’s a question of leadership and understanding what it takes to actually win,” Peters said.
Hegseth’s appearance before Senate lawmakers comes after the U.S. rolled out its 10th consecutive night of strikes against Iran. At least three American service members have been killed in recent days. As war between the two nations intensifies, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, forcing U.S. gas prices to jump again.
