Skip to content All News Sport Culture Lifestyle US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing intense opposition from Senate Republicans over a massive $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request for next year, threatening its approval despite the party holding a 53 to 47 majority in the chamber. The congressional backlash stems from deep frustration over the seven-month-long war in Iran, which has driven up domestic fuel prices and cost American lives, alongside Hegseth's controversial mass firings and blocked promotions of senior military officers. The proposed funding request represents a 40 per cent increase on the current Pentagon budget, alongside a separate $88 billion needed to cover ongoing military operational costs against Iran.
Key Republican senators, including Susan Collins and Tim Sheehy, criticised Hegseth's failure to build relationships on Capitol Hill, his dismissal of capable military officials, and his lack of effective communication. Administration officials warn that a prolonged budget standoff could leave the military dangerously depleted and without necessary funds for recruitment bonuses, housing repairs, or restocking munitions. In full Mounting GOP anger at Hegseth could hamper his $1.5T bid for military funds, report says More bulletins Thank you for registering Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in
Source: The Independent
