Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visibly frustrated Democrat Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen on Wednesday after he informed her that she had run out of time to question him during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
Hegseth said that he is involved in the firings of all high-ranking personnel at the Defense Department as Rosen questioned him on the dismissal of Gen. Timothy Haugh, who was relieved of his duties in April. While Rosen continued to press Hegseth on the same matter, the Defense secretary informed her that she was out of time for questioning.
“Do you believe it’s appropriate for any social media personality to influence personnel decisions at your department, yes or no?” Rosen asked.
“I believe your time is up, senator,” Hegseth replied.
“Oh, it is not up to you to tell me when my time is up and I am going to say, Mr. Secretary, you are either feckless or complicit. You’re not in control of your department. It is unserious,” Rosen, who grew noticeably aggravated, said.
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The senator then told Hegseth she did “not appreciate [his] smirk” as she finished up her questioning.
Hegseth repeatedly answered Rosen as she continued asking him if he made the decision to fire Haugh. Right-wing personality Laura Loomer reportedly provided Trump with research on staffers and urged him to fire them, leading to the termination of several staffers the following day.
Loomer told The Washington Post that she urged Trump to fire Haugh because he was chosen by Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCOS). Milley was involved in planning the U.S.’ botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which ultimately led to the death of 13 service members and around 170 Afghan civilians caused by a bombing at Abbey Gate.
Former President Joe Biden appointed Haugh to direct the National Security Administration (NSA) and Cyber Command in 2023.
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