Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces GOP resistance to a $1.5 trillion Pentagon request for next year, up over 40% from last year, plus $88 billion for Iran war costs and weapons. Senators cite the war, military firings, blocked promotions and strained ties with Congress.
Most Republicans see post-election budget reconciliation as the likeliest route, but it would require 50 of 53 GOP senators. Four Republicans who voted against continuing the Iran war, including Thom Tillis, could defeat a party-line defense bill if they also oppose it.
Sen. Susan Collins said Hegseth had fired capable military officials and blocked promotions, including for women and Black officers. Trump continues to back Hegseth; people close to the president see no chance the defense secretary will be replaced, the article reports. Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson said the department had held more than 500 budget briefings, some bipartisan, and was aligned with congressional Republicans.
