'That’s Nearly A 44% Increase...': Democrat McCollum Torches Trump & Hegseth Over Iran War | US News
May 12, 2026
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8:01Now Playing'That’s Nearly A 44% Increase...': Democrat McCollum Torches Trump & Hegseth Over Iran War | US News
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as posted by the channelUS News: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) sharply criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Trump administration during a heated House Appropriations Committee hearing focused on defense spending and the escalating Iran War.
McCollum pushed back after Hegseth reportedly referred to critics of the conflict as “defeatists,” telling the hearing: “I will not question your patriotism, nor will you question mine.” She warned that “the cost of this war continues to rise as forces remain in the region,” while accusing the Pentagon of failing to provide Congress with critical information about ammunition levels, fuel costs, and military operations tied to the conflict.
The Democratic lawmaker also sounded the alarm over the administration’s massive defense spending plans, declaring: “That’s nearly a 44% increase of defense spending over last year.” She argued that the administration was taking “an enormous risk” by seeking hundreds of billions through reconciliation while cutting domestic programs tied to education and national security.
McCollum further blasted delays in Pentagon transparency, saying, “We are still waiting for the information,” and warning that the lack of timely updates “is appearing to become a pattern.” She also criticized the administration’s handling of Operation Epic Fury and questioned the long-term costs of programs like Golden Dome and expanded military operations in the Middle East.
The hearing comes amid growing scrutiny in Congress over the rising financial and strategic costs of the Iran conflict, with lawmakers demanding answers from the Pentagon about the future of U.S. involvement in the region.
#iranwar #democrat #usnews #petehegseth #trump #uspolitics
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