Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to appear on Capitol Hill again Wednesday for the final session in a series of frequently contentious hearings, where lawmakers have grilled him on issues ranging from the transgender military ban to his use of encrypted apps like Signal for discussing sensitive military strategies.
While the intensifying Iran-Israel conflict — marked by escalating airstrikes — is expected to dominate the hearing amid fears of a broader regional war, Hegseth will also likely face tough scrutiny over his turbulent leadership. Lawmakers are expected to challenge him on topics including his dismissal of senior military officials, resistance to women serving in combat roles, and reallocation of funds from troop housing to border security.
The U.S. has recently redeployed refueling tankers and fighter jets to prepare for possible responses to the conflict, such as airstrikes or emergency evacuations. Hegseth has said the moves are aimed at protecting American personnel and military bases.
