Republican criticism of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is boiling over as the U.S. war with Iran enters its fifth month, straining military budgets, disrupting global shipping, and leaving lawmakers on both sides demanding a clearer exit strategy.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) didn't mince words Monday when he told The Hill: "I don't have any confidence in him anymore. I think he's all over the place." Tillis accused Hegseth of forcing out experienced commanders, micromanaging the Pentagon, and displaying what he called a "massive insecurity complex."
"He's lost my confidence," Tillis said, adding that other Republicans may be "one decision or another" away from publicly breaking with Hegseth.
The backlash comes as the administration seeks additional military funding. Hegseth told senators the conflict had cost $37.5 billion, including projected expenses through Sept. 30, while warning that the Pentagon faced "critical shortfalls" without more money. Reuters reported the war has killed 18 U.S. service members and wounded about 430.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) called the departure of senior military officers "deeply troubling" and requested "more information" about "the strategy and endgame for the war."
War Costs and Regional Risks Mount
Republicans have also questioned whether Pentagon planners underestimated Iran's ability to restrict the Strait of Hormuz and strike U.S. allies. One GOP senator who spoke anonymously told The Hill that the administration may have made "some miscalculations" because the conflict lasted longer than expected and spread toward the Red Sea.
Iran-aligned Houthi fighters recently targeted Saudi oil shipments and facilities, extending the conflict toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Reuters reported the attacks slowed Red Sea shipping and pushed oil above $100 a barrel before prices eased during a pause in U.S. strikes.
Republicans Split Over Escalation and Funding
Not all Republicans are calling for restraint. Some defense hawks still favor escalation. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) urged President Donald Trump to "finish the job," while Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said Washington should demonstrate its "decisive military edge" and reopen Hormuz.
"If anybody can do it, the United States can," Cornyn said.
Tillis argued that Hegseth's leadership turnover may have weakened planning. "When you're a leader, you better damn sure have people smarter than you in the room," he said. "You're supposed to be air traffic control for all these brilliant people."
The criticism threatens Trump's effort to secure another $73 billion for the Pentagon and intelligence agencies as lawmakers question costs, strategy and public war fatigue.
