Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends $134M Troop Deployment to Los Angeles Amid Congressional Criticism

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Trump administration’s deployment of nearly 5,000 National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles, a move that has sparked heated exchanges with House Democrats over its necessity, legality, and $134 million cost. Hegseth argued the deployment was essential to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during anti-immigration protests, citing concerns about potential violence and referencing the 2020 Minneapolis unrest as a cautionary example. Lawmakers, especially Reps. Betty McCollum and Pete Aguilar, questioned the justification for overriding California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections, the legal grounds for the action, and whether troops were adequately cared for. Hegseth denied claims of troop mistreatment and insisted the Department of Defense was ensuring their welfare. The hearing also touched on broader Pentagon spending, including a $45 million military parade, with Democrats demanding greater accountability and transparency. The debate highlighted ongoing partisan tensions over federal intervention in state matters and the allocation of defense resources.