Even Republicans were shocked: the Defense Secretary's unusual conduct

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is excluding Democratic lawmakers from classified briefings, a move criticized even by Republican members of Congress. Hegseth is advancing a massive $1.5 trillion defense budget but depends on Democrats for its approval. According to a Politico report, Republicans believe the exclusion undermines his efforts and have called on the White House to change course.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been trying in recent months to advance a new defense budget of an unprecedented $1.5 trillion. As part of these efforts, he has chosen to exclude Democratic lawmakers from classified briefings and meetings in Congress, even though he depends on them to approve the budget. According to a Politico report, Republican lawmakers also criticize his conduct and believe it undermines his efforts. Hegseth has come to Capitol Hill at least twice in recent weeks to present his plan behind closed doors, but excluded Democrats. Republican Senator Thom Tillis said: "He calls himself the war secretary, but ironically, he doesn't want to go to war and win an argument with nearly half of the Senate." Another Republican lawmaker said administration officials are "preaching to the choir." Excluding Democrats could prove costly, as the party has pledged to oppose funding bills. It was also reported that Hegseth and senior Trump administration officials are pressuring Republicans to use a special procedure to bypass Democrats. Senator Mike Rounds made clear he opposes the exclusion, and administration officials expressed concern that information might leak to the media. Senator Jeanne Shaheen noted that even routine briefings in the Foreign Relations Committee are not taking place, and a former security official said this is a blatant deviation from norms.