Hegseth Defers on Cost of LA Military Deployment Amidst Tense Budget Hearing

Tensions Rise at Budget Hearing: McCollum Demands Cost of LA Military Deployment, Hegseth Defers. Washington D.C. - During a heated exchange at the U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing yesterday, Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN) challenged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (R-MN) to disclose the costs associated with deploying National Guard and Marine units to Los Angeles. "What is the current cost for what is taking place in California, and how is it going to affect this budget?" McCollum pressed. Hegseth, in response, avoided providing a specific figure, directing the question to acting comptroller Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell. This evasion sparked further tension, underscoring the lack of transparency surrounding military spending decisions. The incident highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of military resources in domestic situations and the need for greater accountability in government spending. The committee hearing continues today.