The Boy Is Unfit’: Hegseth’s Team Thought His Attack on a Black General Was the Tough-Guy Clip They Needed — Until the Public Humiliation Hit and They Couldn’t Delete Fast Enough
An angry and defensive Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has come under heavy criticism after launching a public attack on his predecessor, former Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, during a tense congressional hearing.
The confrontation happened as Hegseth appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 21 to ask lawmakers for an additional $88 billion in funding linked to President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, which has not been formally approved by Congress.
During the hearing, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin repeatedly questioned Hegseth about how much the military operation had already cost American taxpayers. Instead of giving a direct answer, Hegseth tried to shift the focus by saying that most of the money being requested was for the Department of Defense rather than the war itself.
When pressed further, Hegseth said the operation had cost about $37.5 billion so far. However, critics quickly challenged that figure. Reports citing independent experts and US intelligence officials claimed the real cost could be more than $100 billion, suggesting Hegseth’s estimate was far lower than other calculations.
As the questioning continued, Hegseth became increasingly frustrated and began blaming the previous Biden administration for what he described as years of military neglect. He argued that the US armed forces needed rebuilding after four years of poor management and claimed that the Trump administration had been left to repair the damage.
Hegseth also acknowledged that the Department of Defense still had $75 billion available from the large increase in defence funding approved under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” He insisted that this money was not being used to fund the Iran campaign but was instead helping to modernise and strengthen the military after what he described as years of underinvestment. He also said the funding was helping move the Pentagon away from what he called “woke” policies introduced under the previous administration.
Durbin: Do you have a new estimate about what the war has cost us so far in this, the fifth month of the first year of this war in Iran?
Hegseth: Senator, the estimate we have as of today is 37.5 billion. pic.twitter.com/qWCufre8Nj
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 21, 2026
The hearing took another dramatic turn when Hegseth criticised Lloyd Austin, the first Black person to serve as US Defence Secretary.
“I don’t know what Lloyd Austin did for four years. I really don’t,” Hegseth said before accusing the former defence chief of allowing bureaucracy and outdated thinking to take over the department.
His remarks immediately sparked backlash because many pointed out Austin’s long military career and record of service. Before becoming Defence Secretary, Austin spent around 40 years in the US Army, graduated from West Point Military Academy, became a four-star general and served as the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing military operations across the Middle East and parts of Asia. As Defence Secretary, he also oversaw military reforms, strengthened relationships with US allies and introduced changes aimed at improving the military justice system.
Many critics argued that Hegseth’s comments ignored Austin’s decades of military experience and achievements.
The reaction online was swift. Hundreds of people criticised Hegseth on the Pentagon’s official Facebook page, with many defending Austin’s record and accusing Hegseth of showing disrespect to a decorated military leader.
Some users mocked Hegseth personally, while others praised Austin as a man who dedicated decades of service to the country and earned the respect of service members throughout the military.
Others expressed frustration that members of the Trump administration continue to blame former President Joe Biden for current problems, despite being well into Trump’s second term. Some commenters said strong leaders should focus on solving today’s challenges instead of repeatedly blaming previous administrations.
The heated exchange has added to growing political debate over the cost of the military campaign against Iran, the administration’s defence spending plans and Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon.
