Pete Hegseth has dismissed US lawmakers’ “quagmire” talk, even as data shows broad opposition to the conflict
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has stated that Americans support the US operation against Iran, a claim that stands at odds with multiple national surveys showing most adults in the nation oppose the conflict.
The war, which began with a US-Israeli bombing campaign in February and was initially expected to last several weeks, has dragged on at a cost of $25 billion, leaving more than 1,300 civilians dead and triggering a global energy crunch after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with no clear US gains.
Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday in his first major public appearance since the war began, Hegseth lashed out at Democrats and some Republican lawmakers who criticized the conflict and accused them of “handing propaganda to our enemies.”
He accused Democrats of being “reckless, feckless, and defeatist” and questioned their loyalty. “Who are you cheering for here? Who are you pulling for?”
“I know the American people support that mission, despite your loose talk and words like ‘quagmire,’” Hegseth said during questioning that turned into hours of contentious debate over the Iran war.
US President Donald Trump echoed Hegseth’s remarks, posting on Thursday “Harvard Harris Poll: Strong Majority back President Trump on Iran Nuclear stoppage.”
Recent polls, however, suggest otherwise. The Harvard CAPS/Harris poll cited by Trump found 52% support for US airstrikes on Iran, but that same survey showed support split along party lines, with 79% of Republicans backing the strikes compared to only 26% of Democrats and 46% of independents.
Surveys by NPR/PBS/Marist and CNN show a majority of Americans oppose the military action, while a Reuters/Ipsos poll found support slipping to about one-third by late April.
Hegseth’s testimony comes as Trump’s approval rating has fallen to record lows, recent polls show, with his Iran policy dividing allies. While hawks urge tougher action, business leaders warn that disruption to the Strait of Hormuz and rising energy prices could pose political risks for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
Meanwhile, Democrats are reportedly considering legal action against Trump over the war. They argue the White House has violated federal law by failing to seek approval for the ongoing operation.
