Secretary Hegseth grilled by lawmakers as Pentagon says Iran war costs hits $25B

Added: 2026-05-01

[00:00:00]This morning, Secretary Pete Hegsath back on Capitol Hill one day after a combative hearing before Congress.

[00:00:06]>> The biggest challenge, the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless, and defeist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans.

[00:00:19]>> Hegs testifying for nearly 6 hours about the war in Iran, now in its ninth week.

[00:00:24]The Pentagon yesterday saying the cost of the war has reached $25 billion so far. The president has got himself and America stuck in the quagmire of another war in the Middle East.

[00:00:34]>> Congressman, you should know better.

[00:00:35]Shame on you. Calling this a quagmire two months in.

[00:00:39]>> The secretary claiming a tactical victory.

[00:00:42]>> It's been an astounding military success.

[00:00:44]>> But back at home, drivers now paying 426 a gallon, up a$132 since the war began with the straight of Hermuz still blocked and no end in sight.

[00:00:53]>> I'm just asking if you know what your war cost the average American taxpayer.

[00:00:57]What is the cost of Iran having a nuclear weapon that they wield?

[00:01:00]>> I'm just asking if you know the cost the average American. I'm asking you what the cost $600.

[00:01:04]>> It comes as President Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the straight and lift the blockade while postponing nuclear talks to a later date. The president telling Axios he plans to keep Iran under a naval blockade until it agrees to a deal that addresses the United States's nuclear concerns. The White House confirming the president met with oil executives to discuss sustaining the blockade for months if needed. Pakistan is still attempting to broker a deal, but with talks stalled, Trump is reportedly set to receive new military strike options later today.

[00:01:35]Secretary Hegth returns to Capitol Hill today.