Hegseth Defends Trump's Iran Policy, Budget

0:00It's April 30, Canada News Today starts now, AI powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hankseth went toe-to-toe with Democratic Senators for a second straight day in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. He shot down claims that the war with Iran kicked off without proof of an immediate threat or any real plan. The session focused on the Trump team's massive 2027 military budget proposal, pushing defense spending up to 1.5 trillion, dollars for more drones, missile defenses, and warships. Hankseth fired back at Democrats, labeling them reckless critics who ignore U.S. wins against Iran. He praised President Trump as the top negotiator keeping Iran's nuclear ambitions in check. Meanwhile, top Democrat Senator Jack Reed hid hard, saying the conflict has weakened America's position strategically. Three-pointed to 13 American troops killed, over 400 injured, destroyed gear, and the straight of hormones still shut down, spiking fuel, prices sky high.

1:04He accused Hankseth of firing top officers, 60 percent women, or black, over social issues instead of performance, and slammed a bold success claims as misleading to the President and troops. Republicans gave Hankseth a warmer vibe, with Chairman Roger Wicker calling this the toughest security spot since World War II, and backing the budget's key programs. Democrats grilled him on civilian casualties, like a school strike killing over 165 and cuts to the office meant to avoid them. Hankseth insisted the Pentagon leaves in protecting non-combatants. As the war powers act 60-day clock hits Friday, Democrats bids to force a halt failed, but the White House says talks are ongoing. The Trump seeks a 30-day extension, or pauses it during ceasefire, remains up in the air, keeping everyone watching close.