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WASHINGTON — A $25 billion war. Rising gas prices. Questions of legality and truth. In his first appearance before Congress since the Trump administration launched its war against Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth walked into a political storm Wednesday and emerged at the center of a deepening national clash.

Lawmakers from both parties packed a nearly six hour hearing that quickly turned volatile, with Democrats unleashing sharp accusations over a conflict they say is spiraling in cost and consequence without congressional approval.

At stake is not just the war itself, but the credibility of the administration, the stability of global energy markets and the financial pressure now hitting American households.

A War Without Approval, A Price Tag That Keeps Climbing

The Pentagon confirmed the war has already cost $25 billion, a staggering figure revealed during a hearing originally meant to focus on the administration’s proposed 2027 military budget.

That proposal would push defense spending to a record $1.5 trillion.

Instead, the conversation veered sharply toward the conflict with Iran.

Democrats pressed Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, over what they described as a dangerous and costly escalation. They pointed to depleted U.S. munitions, civilian casualties including a bombing that killed children and a lack of clear justification for the war.

Republicans, while largely supportive, focused more narrowly on military funding and operational details.

Hegseth dismissed the criticism outright, escalating tensions inside the room.

"The biggest challenge, the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans," Hegseth said.

Clashing Narratives Over Why the War Began

One of the most intense moments came during a direct exchange with Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the committee.

Hegseth claimed that U.S. strikes in 2025 had "obliterated" Iran’s nuclear facilities, prompting immediate pushback over the administration’s rationale for launching a full scale war months later.

"We had to start this war, you just said 60 days ago, because the nuclear weapon was an imminent threat," said Smith. "Now you're saying that it was completely obliterated?"

Hegseth countered that Iran still posed a threat, insisting the country had not abandoned its ambitions and retained a massive missile arsenal.

Smith was unconvinced.

"left us at exactly the same place we were before."

The exchange underscored a widening credibility gap that Democrats say is at the heart of the crisis.

Oil Shock and Political Fallout

The war’s global ripple effects are already being felt.

Iran’s move to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes, has sent fuel prices surging. The spike is now emerging as a major political liability for Republicans heading into midterm elections.

The U.S. response has been aggressive, imposing a naval blockade and deploying three aircraft carriers to the region for the first time in more than two decades.

Democrats argue the economic fallout is hitting Americans directly.

"Secretary Hegseth, you have been lying to the American public about this war from day one and so has the president," said Rep. John Garamendi.

He went further, calling the conflict a "geopolitical calamity," a "strategic blunder" and a "self-inflicted wound to America."

Hegseth fired back with a personal rebuke.

"Who are you cheering for here?" he asked. "Your hatred for President Trump blinds you" to the success of the war.

Military Shakeups Add Fuel to the Fire

The hearing also spotlighted turmoil inside the Pentagon.

Hegseth faced pointed questions about his decision to remove several top military leaders, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan challenged the move, emphasizing George’s reputation and bipartisan respect.

Hegseth’s explanation was blunt and repeated.

"We needed new leadership."

Houlahan pushed back sharply.

"You have no way of explaining why you fired one of the most decorated and remarkable men," she said before being interrupted.

The list of departures continues to grow. Navy Secretary John Phelan is stepping down. Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Gen. Jim Slife and others have already been removed. President Donald Trump also dismissed Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

Even some Republicans expressed unease.

"We had a huge bipartisan majority here that had confidence in the Army chief of staff and the secretary of the navy," said Rep. Don Bacon. "And I would just point out it may be constitutionally right ... but it doesn't make it right or wise."

Still, others defended the shakeup.

"I'm glad that you're firing people," said Rep. Nancy Mace. "There are people there that are getting in your way. They need to go."

Hegseth has framed the changes as part of building a "warrior culture" inside the Pentagon.

Ceasefire on Edge as Stalemate Deepens

Although a fragile ceasefire is currently in place, the broader conflict remains unresolved.

The U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28 without congressional authorization. Efforts by Democrats to force a vote on ending the conflict have failed repeatedly.

Republicans continue to back Trump’s leadership for now, citing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the risks of disengagement. But concern is growing within the GOP as the war drags on, with some lawmakers eyeing future votes that could test party unity.

Meanwhile, the economic pressure continues to build.

Democrats repeatedly tied rising gasoline prices to the conflict, contrasting it with Trump’s earlier promises to reduce costs for consumers.

Hegseth responded by reframing the debate.

"What is the cost of Iran having a nuclear weapon that they wield?" he said.

For now, neither side appears ready to back down.

Trump told Axios on Wednesday he is rejecting Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the U.S. blockade, signaling that the high stakes standoff is far from over.

As the war enters a new phase, the questions raised in Congress are only getting louder.