Moulton Confronts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Over "Incompetence" and Potential War Crimes in Iran

April 29, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a House Armed Services Committee (HASC) hearing Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) confronted Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during his first testimony since the onset of this 60 day war with Iran. Moulton released his exchange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00ZTVA7SaT4 During the hearing, Moulton pressed Hegseth on the strategic failures of the current administration, the financial toll on American taxpayers, and disturbing public statements made by the Secretary that appear to advocate for war crimes. Congressman Moulton made the following statement on Hegseth’s performance: “ As things stand today, we are losing this war because of Secretary Hegseth’s pure incompetence ,” said Congressman Moulton . “ This isn't leadership; it’s an unserious circus. Between his 'No Quarter' orders, which are a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions, firing our most experienced generals, and proposing a $1.5 trillion budget what saddles the average taxpayer with a $600 bill while this administration guts SNAP benefits and healthcare subsidies, Hegseth has proven he is fundamentally unfit for this position. Instead of these dangerous distractions, he should focus on ending the war he is losing. ” ### Issues : Strengthening our National Security