- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is back on Capitol Hill for his second day of grilling regarding his handling of the Iran war, with senators getting their first opportunity to question him on Thursday.
- Hegseth previously endured a nearly six-hour House Armed Services Committee hearing, where he was pressed by Democrats and some Republicans on the financial and human costs of the war, alongside concerns about diminishing weapons stockpiles.
- During his opening statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee, a protester disrupted the proceedings by unfurling a sign and yelling, "Pete Hegseth, you're a war criminal," before being removed by Capitol Police.
- Following the disruption, several other individuals dressed in similar pink shirts also quickly left the hearing room.
- Committee chair Republican Sen. Roger Wicker continued the hearing, stating his respect for First Amendment rights but warning that any further disruptions would result in removal.
