Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended his decision to deploy troops in support of federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, emphasizing to senators on Wednesday the necessity of preserving “law and order.”
This move faced criticism from Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., who labeled it illegal and potentially harmful to military readiness, questioning the funding behind it.
Hegseth faced intense scrutiny over various issues, including the deployment opposed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, continued military aid to Ukraine, and agreements regarding a Qatari jet.
Hegseth addressed the concerns, asserting that the operation in Los Angeles was focused not on force but on maintaining order in support of law enforcement personnel, who should carry out their duties without facing assault.
This situation sparked confusion about the deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to aid security during immigration activities in Los Angeles.
Images revealed National Guard troops establishing security perimeters to protect agents as they conducted arrests, blurring lines with law enforcement roles legally prohibited for them.
About 2,000 National Guard troops have been dispatched to Los Angeles for security purposes while Marines remain at a nearby base, yet to be engaged.
At a Senate defense budget subcommittee, Reed argued that maintaining law and order is a civil task, not a military one.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., added that deploying troops domestically and threats to use force against citizens, particularly concerning the Army’s 250th anniversary parade, “should alarm us all.”
She expressed the unprecedented and unconstitutional nature of these threats against citizens on such a large scale.
Hegseth, when asked about the constitutional grounds for deploying active-duty Marines against protesters, admitted ignorance of the specific law provision but promised to provide it.
Gen. Dan Caine, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, when questioned about the possibility of “rebellion” that could justify invoking the Insurrection Act for military law enforcement roles, acknowledged public frustration.
Hegseth reiterated President Trump’s claim of an “invasion” of undocumented migrants and the potential for protests in Los Angeles to spread nationally.
Caine, asked about foreign invasion threats, saw no evidence of state-sponsored infiltration but acknowledged border-related issues.
Senators also criticized Hegseth over the defense budget, with bipartisan queries regarding ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine.
Senate panel chairman, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., expressed discontent over the lack of a comprehensive defense budget from the Trump administration and insufficient U.S. defense spending.
McConnell also highlighted the absence of funds for Ukraine security aid in the limited budget request, questioning its implications on peace prospects.
In response, Hegseth noted the department’s need for additional time to devise a spending plan while emphasizing redirecting funds to Trump’s priorities and intended savings by eliminating wasteful programs.
He claimed a negotiated peace in Ukraine strengthens America, alongside advocating for increased European defense responsibility.
Although Hegseth stated some U.S. security funds for Ukraine are forthcoming, specifics were lacking.
Furthermore, Hegseth withheld details regarding a 747 jet potentially gifted by Qatar to serve as Air Force One, citing classified budgeting and security upgrade plans for the aircraft.
He confirmed that no agreement between Qatar and the Trump administration had been secured, hence no contracts for modifying the Qatari jet have been executed.
Hegseth declined to discuss the anticipated costs or timeline for modifications, despite available public data on similar projects involving Boeing’s reconditioned 747s as Air Force One replacements.
“A memorandum of understanding remains to be signed,” Hegseth concluded.