'Americans Can't Buy Food & You Want Money for Iran War?': Gillibrand Drops Truth Bomb on Hegseth

July 22, 2026 | A heated exchange unfolded on Capitol Hill as U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand challenged Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over the Trump administration's defense spending priorities during a congressional hearing. Gillibrand criticized the administration's request for increased funding for military munitions, arguing that the government was seeking billions for bombs while many American families continue to struggle with the rising cost of living. She questioned how the administration could justify such spending to the public. Responding to the criticism, Hegseth rejected the suggestion that the administration was asking for "unlimited bombs." He said the funding request was aimed at ensuring the U.S. military has "the right bombs at the right time" to deter future adversaries. Hegseth also described the proposal as a "generational investment" in national defense and blamed the previous administration for failing to adequately fund the Pentagon.

Hegseth and the whole Trump regime are garbage. Incidentally, why does this regime give preferential treatment to Sunnis over Shiites? How come Saudi Arabia can have a nuclear program which will in all likelihood lead to them having nuclear weapons, but Iran cannot? That, to me, sounds highly hypocritical and it certainly isn’t even-handed. — © Mark Alexander

Pete Hegseth Unravels Under Jon Ossoff's Questions | Steve Schmidt

July 22, 2026 | As Pete Hegseth faces sharp questioning from Jon Ossoff over the Trump administration's national security decisions, concerns about accountability continue to mount. Steve Schmidt explains the broader ramifications for U.S. foreign policy and global stability.

Trump is f*****g trash! How many times does it have to be said? Moreover, it is hard to see how America will ever be able to recover from his pathetic presidency. — © Mark Alexander

US Renews Strikes on Iran as Trump Threatens to Attack Nuclear Site | BBC News

July 22, 2026 | US Central Command (Centcom) said the wave of strikes were "designed to continue degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping" in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported that air defences were activated in the capital Tehran. Explosions were also reported in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, and in Bushehr, home to Iran's only nuclear power plant.

Iran, which has retaliated against the US and its Middle East allies, warned of reprisals after Donald Trump said the US would soon hit an underground nuclear site near Natanz.


All that money p****d against the wall! Just imagine what a president with sound judgment could have done to improve Americans’ lives with all that money!

As far as I can see, it doesn’t matter how many billions Americans throw at this war, it is hard to see how the Iranians will let America win. And God only knows what is going to happen to the world economy with the Strait of Hormuz and now also the Bab el-Mandeb blocked by the Houthis, too.

Mr Trump needs to learn that his transactional approach will not work with a people so married to their religion and ideology. Belief trumps profit each and every time. — © Mark Alexander

Doctor Reacts to Hegseth's Plan to Test Troops' Testosterone

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that he is rolling out a new screening program for “testosterone deficiency” among troops, calling it necessary to allow them to operate at their “absolute best.”

The screenings will be conducted annually as part of service members’ required medical screenings for those 30 and older, he said. Troops under 30 can volunteer to be tested. In a video on social media, Hegseth said receiving testosterone replacement therapy would be voluntary.

Donald Trump Will Face Consequences | Steve Schmidt

Jun 19, 2026 | Pete Hegseth removed the portrait of an American hero, the first Black four-star general, Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., from the Pentagon. On this Juneteenth, Steve Schmidt breaks down the overwhelming resurgent racism of Trump's regime and why it must be rejected this November. …

Hegseth Strikes Female and Black Navy Officers From Promotion List

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The defense secretary’s decision to block the officers’ promotions appears driven by his anti-diversity stance rather than based on merit.

In a move that disproportionately targets women and minority officers, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently blocked the promotions of at least seven Navy officers who had been selected by a board of senior Navy admirals.

The net result of Mr. Hegseth’s intervention is a slate of 22 nominees to be one-star admirals that bears little resemblance to the broader force these officers will help lead.

At least two of the officers removed by Mr. Hegseth from the promotion list are women and two are Black men. An additional three are white men.

Mr. Hegseth’s actions, which appear to violate the rules governing a promotion system that is supposed to be apolitical and merit-based, were described by four current and former defense officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters. » | Greg Jaffe and Kate Kelly | Greg Jaffe reported from Washington, and Kate Kelly from New York. | Monday, June 1, 2026

So where is this man’s Christianity now, then? Behaving in this mean-spirited and ungenerous manner hardly rhymes with the teachings of Jesus, does it? These people are such FAKES! — © Mark Alexander

Pete Hegseth, ministre de la Guerre américain : le visage de la guerre en Iran de plus en plus isolé et contesté

LE FIGARO : RÉCIT - Le ministre de la Guerre continue de mener une sourde lutte contre la hiérarchie militaire, et se heurte régulièrement aux médias qui questionnent sa vision triomphale du conflit.

Le secrétaire à la Guerre est sur la défensive. Alors que la guerre d’Iran a muté en une épreuve de force économique et que la victoire totale annoncée tarde à se matérialiser, Pete Hegseth apparaît de plus en plus isolé, et sa gestion souvent conflictuelle du Pentagone contestée. Les limogeages d’officiers généraux ou de hauts responsables ont continué en pleine guerre sans autres explications que le déplaisir de Hegseth. Peu d’informations émanent du plus important ministère américain au milieu d’un conflit qui a déjà entamé les stocks de munitions critiques, et contribue à l’augmentation considérable de ses dépenses. Devenu l’un des visages publics d’une guerre impopulaire, Hegseth continue de bénéficier du seul soutien qui compte, celui de Donald Trump. Mais sa position n’est pas des plus solides au sein d’un cabinet où la faveur présidentielle peut se perdre rapidement.

Les mises à l’écart d’importants responsables militaires et civils, qui avaient commencé dès la prise de fonctions de Pete Hegseth, ont continué, alimentant le malaise au sein du Pentagone. La mise à l’écart du général Randy George, chef d’état-major de l’armée de terre, démis de ses fonctions le 2 avril dernier a été critiquée, y compris parmi les républicains au Congrès. Cet officier unanimement respecté, aux états de service impeccables, s’est vu congédier sans explications. Selon les sources citées par les médias américains, le général George se serait opposé à une décision de Pete Hegseth de rayer du tableau d’avancement plusieurs officiers, notamment des Noirs et des femmes. Le secrétaire à la Défense, qui a rebaptisé son poste secrétaire à la Guerre, mène depuis sa nomination une politique visant à mettre fin aux mesures de discrimination positive, qu’il qualifie de « woke » et qui, selon lui, réduisent l’efficacité des forces armées américaines. » | Par Adrien Jaulmes, correspondant à Washington | mardi 5 mai 2026

Réservé aux abonnés

Steve Schmidt: Pete Hegseth Is the Most Ignominious Military Leader of All Time

May 4, 2026 | Congressman Jason Crow says there is something broken in Pete Hegseth and he is absolutely right. Steve Schmidt breaks down Hegseth's insidious conduct and explains why Donald Trump, who is responsible for this ignominious drunk, must fire him.

Steve Schmmidt: Pete Hegseth Will Rot in His Shame

Apr 30, 2026 | Fifty-one years ago the last helicopter fled the US Embassy in Vietnam, and Donald Trump has brought America into another losing war. Steve Schmidt exposes Pete Hegseth's incompetence, villainy, and criminal failures in this catastrophe.

Hear! Hear! — Mark

Le détroit d’Ormuz « est plus leur combat que le nôtre » : Pete Hegseth critique les Européens et les somme de « se mettre à l’eau »

LE FIGARO : Lors d’une conférence de presse, le secrétaire à la Défense américain s’en est pris aux pays européens qui profitent gratuitement depuis des décennies, selon lui, de la protection des États-Unis.

Le chef du Pentagone s’en prend une nouvelle fois aux Européens. Lors d’une conférence de presse à Arlington (Virginie) ce vendredi 24 avril, Pete Hegseth a fait un point sur le conflit en Iran et le blocus du détroit d’Ormuz. Par la même occasion, il a chargé les pays européens qui profitent gratuitement, selon lui, de la «protection» des États-Unis. « L’Europe et l’Asie bénéficient depuis des décennies de notre protection. Mais ce temps est révolu », a-t-il lancé.

« Les États-Unis et le monde libre méritent des alliés loyaux, et être un allié ce n’est pas à sens unique. Nous, nous ne comptons pas sur l’Europe mais eux ont bien plus besoin du détroit d’Ormuz que nous », a-t-il affirmé. Avant de tacler les Européens de nouveau : « Ils feraient bien de parler un peu moins, d’organiser moins de conférences prestigieuses et plutôt de se mettre au travail et se mettre à l’eau. » Et d’insister : « C’est plus leur combat que le nôtre. » » | Par Clara Hidalgo | vendredi 24 avril 2026

Steve Schmidt: Donald Trump Has Made America Sick Again

Apr 23, 2026 | RFK Jr. has slithered under the radar while decimating America's public health system, but no longer. Steve Schmidt exposes how Trump and RFK Jr. are making Americans sick as MAGA and MAHA go to war.

The Messianic Maniac Pushing for Holy War in Iran

Apr 22, 2026 | Radical Muslims. Messianic mullahs. Religious nutjobs.

Sound familiar?

That’s how the Trump administration has described the rulers of Iran over the last few months in an effort to justify starting an illegal war that has now destabilized the entire Middle East.

But, as Mehdi points out, it’s not the Iranians who are pushing for a holy war in the Middle East — it’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, covered in crusader and Islamophobic tattoos, who has repeatedly called on Jesus Christ himself to help US forces unleash “overwhelming violence” on Iranians and deliver their souls to “eternal damnation.”

Mehdi takes a deep-dive into Hegseth’s open Christian nationalism and messianic militaristic agenda, and reframes the narrative of who actually wants a holy war in the Holy Land.

Steve Schmidt: Trump Will Regret Launching This War

Apr 21, 2026 | Donald Trump promised over and over the war would end. Steve Schmidt warns of the growing toll and promises the Trump regime will be buried by their shame.

Americans elected FOOLS to lead them. America is finished. Any so-called leader who wages an illegal war deserves to lose it. — © Mark Alexander

Why Is Donald Trump Picking a Fight with the Pope?

Here’s your answer.

Hegseth Faces Impeachment Pressure Over Iran Rhetoric | Anita Powell

Apr 16, 2026 | “We’ll see how that proceeds on Capitol Hill.”

Hegseth’s “posturing” and return to “controversial threats” towards Iran are exactly what have “led to articles of impeachment”, says US reporter Anita Powell.

Hegseth droht mit Bomben auf Stromversorgung des Iran

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Der Krieg in Nahost könnte bald fortgesetzt werden. Pete Hegseth will die zivile Infrastruktur des Iran bombardieren. Israel zerstört Dörfer im Südlibanon.

Der amerikanische Verteidigungsminister Pete Hegseth hat am Donnerstag mit neuen US-Angriffen auf Irans Energieinfrastruktur gedroht, falls dessen Führung keinem Friedensabkommen zustimmt. Auf einer Pressekonferenz im Pentagon forderte Hegseth, der sich selbst „Kriegsminister“ nennt, am Donnerstag Irans Führung auf, „weise zu entscheiden“. Er sagte, eine amerikanische Seeblockade iranischer Häfen werde „so lange wie nötig“ fortgesetzt. „Wenn Iran sich falsch entscheidet“, sagte Hegseth am Donnerstag, „dann wird es eine Blockade und Bomben geben, die auf Infrastruktur, Stromversorgung und Energie niedergehen.“ Nach internationalem Recht könnte das gezielte Angreifen ziviler Infrastruktur im Iran ein Kriegsverbrechen darstellen. Laut der UN-Charta ist bereits die Androhung von Kriegsverbrechen ein solches. Präsident Donald Trump hatte an Ostern angekündigt, die US-Regierung werde die gesamte Zivilisation des Iran auslöschen, sollte die iranische Führung nicht umgehend den amerikanischen Aufforderungen Folge leisten. » | Michael Maier | Donnerstag, 16. April 2026

Hegseth Says U.S. Is Poised to Resume Combat if Talks Fail

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Iran’s leaders to “choose wisely” and threatened more attacks. The war’s mounting economic toll has put political pressure on President Trump to find an off-ramp.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday threatened U.S. attacks on Iran’s power plants and other energy sites if its leaders did not agree to a peace deal, less than a week before a temporary cease-fire is set to expire.

Speaking at a news conference at the Pentagon, Mr. Hegseth repeatedly urged Iran’s leaders to “choose wisely” and said an American naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue “as long as it takes.” The Trump administration has alternated between assuring Americans that a peace deal was within reach and threatening Iran’s leadership if it does not comply, as the war’s economic toll has put President Trump under increasing political pressure at home.

“If Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power, and energy,” Mr. Hegseth said. Under international law, intentionally targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime.

Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the news conference that U.S. Navy forces in the Pacific could be ordered to intercept ships trying to resupply Iran, which would broaden the naval blockade beyond the Middle East.

Iran threatened on Wednesday to halt all trade in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea in response to the blockade. It was unclear how much control Iran could exert over shipping in the region. Its battered armed forces can still use mines and fast boats to harass ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Its allies in Yemen, the Houthi militia, have also shown they can attack shipping in the Red Sea. Iran War Live Updates » | Eric Schmitt, John Ismay, Elian Peltier and Aurelien Breeden | Thursday, April 16, 2026

Pete Hegseth Is a Disaster of a Defense Secretary. It’s No Surprise

THE GUARDIAN: The former Fox host has misled the public, prayed for violence and clashed with the press. This is not a serious military leader

With his jawline firm and his hair coiffed, Pete Hegseth was a good fit as a Fox News personality.

As the defense secretary – or secretary of war, as his boss, Donald Trump would have it – he’s disastrous.

His most consequential test, America’s misguided war with Iran, has proven that beyond legitimate argument.

But for those who watched him for years as a rightwing cable news figure, it’s not exactly surprising.

“Hegseth’s distinguishing characteristic on Fox was his fervent support for American service members who had been accused of war crimes,” recalled Matt Gertz, senior fellow at Media Matters, whose job it is to track the relationship between rightwing media and the Trump-led Maga world.

Trump, who watches Fox as if it’s his primary job, liked what he saw in Hegseth. And so, what Gertz calls “a B-level demogogue” jumped from co-host of the weekend Fox & Friends talkshow to the person sixth in line for the US presidency. » | Margaret Sullivan | Friday,April 10, 2026

Steve Schmidt: Trump Misplayed the War in Iran. Melania Lied about Epstein.

Apr 10, 2026 | Donald Trump handed the Strait of Hormuz to Iran as a toll road, while Melania Trump held a press conference to deny her ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Steve Schmidt exposes the First Family of Frauds and their delusions.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t Melania an illegal immigrant? Didn’t she work in America before obtaining her proper papers? — © Mark Alexander

Trump's America Is Now a Rogue Power | Bill Kristol

Apr 8, 2026 | “This is a terrible development for the international order, of which [the US] has been a key component.”

America is “not much more responsible” than China or Russia, says Republican and Trump critic Bill Kristol.