Defense Secretary Hegseth, Gen. Caine Testify Before House on Signal Scandal, Military Deployment

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee in Washington, marking his first congressional appearance since the Signalgate scandal and the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles. Alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth defended the administration’s $961.6 billion defense budget request, emphasizing that under President Donald Trump's leadership, it prioritizes national security and addresses years of underinvestment in the military. Lawmakers questioned Hegseth on military leadership and criticized the administration for alleged mismanagement and funding reallocations, with Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro condemning what she described as 'lawlessness across the government.' The hearing was part of a broader session where other cabinet members, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, testified on their respective departmental budgets and policies. The testimonies reflect ongoing scrutiny of the administration's management of federal agencies and military strategy amid recent controversies.