Republican Backlash Grows Against Hegseth Over Iran WarRepublican support for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is showing signs of strain as senior GOP senators question his leadership of the Iran conflict and criticise a string of high-profile military dismissals. The growing discontent threatens to complicate the administration's push for more defence funding at a time when the war is becoming increasingly costly and politically contentious. Thom Tillis Confidence Crumbles in the Senate North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis delivered the strongest rebuke yet, declaring he had "no confidence" in Hegseth's leadership. Tillis accused the Defence Secretary of forcing out some of the Pentagon's most respected leaders, micromanaging the department and allowing internal power struggles to take hold. He suggested other Republicans were close to publicly breaking ranks, saying many were only "one decision" away from turning against him. Military Firings Fuel Concern Maine Senator Susan Collins also voiced alarm over the dismissal of General Christopher Donahue, the Army's top commander for Europe and Africa, describing the move as "deeply troubling". The criticism comes amid wider concern that the removal of experienced military leaders could undermine confidence inside the armed forces at a critical moment in the conflict. War Costs Raise Political Pressure Hegseth's leadership has also come under scrutiny over the handling of the Iran war, which has reportedly cost the United States $37.5 billion. Several Republican senators warned that public patience is wearing thin as the conflict drags on with no clear end in sight. West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Iowa Senator Joni Ernst reportedly cautioned that Congress is increasingly uneasy about the financial burden and the level of transparency surrounding the campaign, including confusion over reported US casualties. Defence Secretary Fights Back Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth rejected claims that the operation had become a failure, accusing critics of undermining the sacrifices made by American troops. He insisted the military campaign remained focused on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and condemned descriptions of the conflict as a "quagmire". Despite the criticism, Hegseth retains influential supporters. Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Roger Wicker urged the administration to intensify military pressure on Iran, while Senator John Cornyn argued the United States still possessed the military strength needed to force Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without making major concessions. With emergency defence funding still awaiting congressional approval, divisions within Republican ranks now threaten to become a significant political challenge for the Pentagon. GOP loses faith in Hegseth over Iran war and military firings
