GOP Confidence in Hegseth Dwindling as War With Iran Drags On
WASHINGTON-- Republican senators are raising alarm over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership as the war with Iran enters its fifth month with no clear end in sight. What began as a conflict the Trump administration projected would last just weeks has evolved into a prolonged military campaign that is testing support within the GOP and prompting difficult questions about strategy, costs and America's objectives in the region.
Several Republican lawmakers say confidence in Hegseth is waning amid growing concerns that the Pentagon failed to anticipate key developments, including Iran's prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, retaliatory strikes against neighboring allies such as Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and the conflict's recent expansion into the Red Sea, where Iranian-backed Houthi militants have targeted Saudi oil shipments.
"I don't have any confidence in him anymore," Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) told The Hill, sharply criticizing Hegseth's management of the Pentagon. Tillis accused the defense secretary of micromanaging military operations, forcing out distinguished military leaders and lacking the experience necessary to oversee one of the world's largest organizations.
"He's lost my confidence," Tillis said, adding that other Republican senators may soon publicly voice similar concerns.
Behind closed doors, GOP lawmakers say frustration is growing as military costs continue to climb while Iran appears no closer to agreeing to a lasting peace agreement. One Republican senator familiar with defense policy discussions said concerns about Hegseth's leadership are also being voiced within the Pentagon itself.
"I have heard out of the Pentagon that there's a loss of confidence — within the Pentagon," the lawmaker said anonymously. "And of course then everyone here on the Hill hears those same concerns."
Questions surrounding military leadership intensified following the forced retirement of Gen. Chris Donahue, the top U.S. Army commander in Europe earlier this month. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) publicly criticized the departure of senior military officials during Hegseth's recent testimony before her committee.
"I find this deeply troubling," Collins said, adding afterward that significant questions remain regarding both the administration's military strategy and its endgame for the conflict.
Other Republican senators are questioning whether the administration adequately prepared Congress for both the financial and strategic realities of the war. While Hegseth recently placed the conflict's cost at $37.5 billion, independent analysts at Moody Analytics estimate it has already exceeded $132 billion.
"Collectively those of us in Congress are worried about the costs associated with the Department of War and the transparency," Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said following Hegseth's testimony before lawmakers.
Republican concerns extend beyond costs. Lawmakers have questioned whether military planners underestimated Iran's willingness and ability to expand the conflict beyond its borders by threatening major shipping routes. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil and gas prices sharply higher in recent months, while disruptions in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have increased pressure on global shipping through the Red Sea.
Tillis suggested that recent turnover among senior military leaders may have negatively impacted strategic planning and America's ability to anticipate Iran's response.
"When you're a leader, you better damn sure have people smarter than you in the room," Tillis said. "You're supposed to be air traffic control for all these brilliant people and he's undermining the DOD's success by undermining these brilliant people who spent their career in uniform."
Still, some Republican defense hawks believe the administration can restore confidence through decisive military action. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) has urged President Trump to "finish the job" by escalating military strikes, while Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) argued the United States possesses sufficient military strength to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without making major concessions to Tehran.
"If anybody can do it, the United States can," Cornyn said.
But as the conflict drags on, Republican lawmakers acknowledge public patience may be wearing thin. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) warned that Americans are growing increasingly weary of the prolonged military engagement.
The political implications are becoming increasingly significant. Republican senators now warn there may not be enough GOP support to advance an additional $73 billion military spending package through the budget reconciliation process sought by President Trump, raising questions about future funding if the conflict continues to expand.
With rising costs, strategic setbacks and growing concerns over Pentagon leadership, Republicans are signaling that future support for both the war effort and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may ultimately hinge on whether the administration can deliver a decisive outcome in the weeks ahead.