WASHINGTON, D.C. — A fiery exchange erupted on Capitol Hill Thursday during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, as California Democratic Rep. Salud Carbajal harshly rebuked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him an “embarrassment to the country” and demanding his resignation.
The confrontation took place during testimony on the Department of Defense’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes a $961 billion request as part of a broader $1 trillion national security proposal under the Trump administration.
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- 1 Tensions Sparked Over Trump Loyalty and Use of Troops
- 2 “You’re an Embarrassment to This Country”
- 3 Hegseth Defends Trump-Era Military Overhaul
- 4 NATO and Global Defense Spending
- 5 Political Fallout
Tensions Sparked Over Trump Loyalty and Use of Troops
The heated moment unfolded when Rep. Carbajal challenged Hegseth with a series of pointed yes-or-no questions regarding recent military deployments in response to unrest stemming from anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles. Carbajal began by asking whether U.S. Marines and the National Guard had been deployed with authorization to protect property using any means necessary.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and vocal Trump ally, responded, “Sir, I would say the ICE officers and police officers being attacked is not political theater.” Carbajal interrupted: “Just yes or no?”
When Hegseth attempted to elaborate by asserting that the military forces had “full authority to protect federal ICE agents,” Carbajal pressed harder: “Yes or no? This isn’t Fox anymore. Just yes or no.”
“You’re an Embarrassment to This Country”
The tension escalated further when Carbajal asked, “Do you think political allegiance to Trump is a requirement for serving our nation, either in uniform or as a civilian in the department?”
Hegseth responded dismissively: “Congressman, you know what a silly question that is.”
Carbajal quickly fired back:
“You know what? I’m not going to waste my time anymore. You’re not worthy of my attention or my questions. You’re an embarrassment to this country. You’re unfit to lead. And there have been bipartisan members of Congress that have called for your resignation. You should just get the hell out and let somebody competently lead this department.”
The outburst led to immediate calls for decorum from the committee chair as lawmakers sat stunned by the exchange.
Hegseth Defends Trump-Era Military Overhaul
In his opening remarks, Hegseth painted a sharp ideological contrast between the current administration’s vision and previous military leadership. He described the Trump administration’s budget as one that “puts America first,” citing a renewed focus on warfighting, meritocracy, and military readiness.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, this budget ends four years of chronic underinvestment in our military,” Hegseth said. “We are restoring the warrior ethos… sweeping away distractions and bureaucracy.”
In a move likely to continue stoking partisan division, Hegseth declared that “DEI is dead” within the Department of Defense, referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He said the Pentagon had replaced them with a “colorblind, gender-neutral, merit-based approach,” claiming the change has led to record-high recruitment and retention.
“Historic numbers of young Americans are putting on the uniform because they believe in the leadership they see,” he asserted.
NATO and Global Defense Spending
Hegseth also pointed to increased international pressure on U.S. allies. He said the Trump administration expects NATO members to pledge 5% of their GDP toward defense spending at the upcoming NATO Heads of State meeting later this month.
“We applaud allies who are stepping up, but others need to do more,” he said. “This was inconceivable before President Trump led the charge.”
Political Fallout
The heated exchange between Carbajal and Hegseth underscores the growing friction in Washington over the Trump administration’s influence on defense policy and political loyalty within the military. Carbajal’s remarks added to a growing chorus of bipartisan concern regarding what critics call politicization of the Pentagon.
Though Hegseth enjoys strong support among conservative lawmakers, his confrontational style and controversial policy changes have made him a lightning rod for criticism from Democrats and some moderate Republicans.
There was no immediate response from the Department of Defense or the White House regarding Carbajal’s call for Hegseth’s resignation.
