Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced Senate scrutiny over a $1.5 trillion budget and the $25 billion cost of Operation Epic Fury as the War Powers Resolution deadline arrives.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday to defend a historic $1.5 trillion fiscal year 2027 defense budget. The hearing follows a marathon six-hour session in the House where Hegseth labeled critics of the administration’s strategy as “defeatist,” even as the financial and geopolitical costs of the conflict with Iran continue to mount.
According to the Pentagon’s acting chief financial officer, Operation Epic Fury has cost $25 billion since its inception on February 28, 2026. The vast majority of these funds have been directed toward replenishing ammunition stockpiles, which lawmakers on both sides of the aisle warn are reaching dangerously low levels. This military expenditure coincides with significant economic pressure at home; national gas prices hit $4.18 this week, and March inflation spiked to 3.5 percent, a shift economists directly attribute to the regional instability caused by the war.
The timing of the hearing is legally significant. April 30 marks the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution for the administration to receive congressional authorization for the conflict. While the White House maintains it is in active discussions regarding this mandate, Democrats have intensified their criticism, questioning the necessity of a war they claim lacks a clear endgame. Ranking members highlighted contradictions in the administration’s narrative, noting that while Hegseth previously claimed Iranian nuclear facilities were obliterated last year, the administration cited an imminent nuclear threat as the primary justification for launching the current campaign.
Strategic shifts are also appearing on the European front. President Trump recently threatened to cut the 35,000-strong U.S. troop presence in Germany following a disagreement with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over Iran war strategy. This potential pivot toward isolationism in Europe contrasts with the proposed budget’s aggressive investment in high-tech warfare, specifically prioritizing drones, warships, and advanced missile defense systems designed for high-intensity theater operations.
Beyond the battlefield, the administration is navigating internal military friction following the dismissal of top uniformed officers, including General Randy George. Hegseth maintained that “new leadership” was required to execute the current doctrine, though he faced sharp rebukes from lawmakers who questioned the removal of decorated officials during active hostilities. As the Leading Economic Index shows a 0.6 percent decline, the administration must now convince a skeptical Congress that the $1.5 trillion price tag is a necessary investment in national sovereignty rather than a drain on a straining domestic economy.
Olivia Kendall serves as the Senior Correspondent for Geopolitics, Defense, and Foreign Policy at Just Right News, where she provides a principled, conservative perspective on the complex forces shaping the global stage. With a career dedicated to deconstructing the intricacies of international relations, Kendall has become a trusted voice for readers who value national sovereignty, a robust military, and a foreign policy that prioritizes American interests above all else.
A native of Washington, D.C., Kendall’s professional journey is deeply rooted in her upbringing within the nation’s capital. Growing up in the epicenter of American political life, she developed an early and profound understanding of how policy is crafted and, more importantly, how it often fails to account for the values of the American heartland. This unique vantage point allowed her to witness firsthand the rise of globalist bureaucracies, fueling her commitment to reporting that champions the constitutional foundations of the United States. Her background as a British White American further informs her worldview, providing her with a keen appreciation for the Western tradition and the enduring importance of the “Special Relationship” in maintaining global stability.
Now based in Arlington, Virginia, Kendall operates from the doorstep of the Pentagon and the heart of the nation’s defense establishment. Her proximity to the decision-makers in the military and intelligence communities allows her to provide boots-on-the-ground reporting that is both timely and deeply informed. For Kendall, Arlington is more than just a base of operations; it is a daily reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform. This connection to the defense community drives her rigorous coverage of military readiness and her advocacy for a “peace through strength” approach to diplomacy.
At Just Right News, Kendall is perhaps best known for her acclaimed feature series, “The World’s Shadow on America.” In this ongoing project, she explores the direct correlation between international developments and the daily lives of American citizens. Whether she is analyzing the encroachment of foreign adversaries in domestic supply chains or the impact of international treaties on local economies, Kendall’s work serves as a vital bridge between distant geopolitical shifts and their consequences at home. She rejects the notion that foreign policy is an abstract concern for elites, instead proving that what happens in the corridors of power in Brussels or Beijing has a tangible “shadow” that falls across every American doorstep.
Throughout her tenure, Kendall has remained a steadfast critic of international overreach and a vocal proponent of a clear-eyed, realistic foreign policy. She brings a sharp analytical mind to her beat, often challenging the prevailing narratives of the mainstream media to uncover the underlying truths that affect national security. Her reporting is characterized by a refusal to compromise on the truth and a dedication to the idea that a strong, secure America is the world’s best hope for liberty. As a Senior Correspondent, Olivia Kendall continues to lead the charge in providing the essential context and conservative insight necessary to navigate an increasingly volatile world.