From FOX News: A California Democrat told Pete Hegseth on Thursday that he is an “embarrassment” to the United States and should “get the hell out” of the Department of Defense after the secretary chided the lawmaker for a “silly question” he asked during a House hearing.
The outburst from Rep. Salud Carbajal was immediately followed by a call for decorum as lawmakers from the House Armed Services Committee were questioning Hegseth about the Department of Defense’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.
Tensions started escalating on Capitol Hill as Carbajal asked Hegseth a series of yes or no questions, beginning with the deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines in Los Angeles to quell the unrest generated by anti-ICE protests.
“Let’s call it for what it is. It’s political theater,” Carbajal said. “Hegseth, are the Marines in Los Angeles ordered to protect property by any means necessary?”
“Sir, I would say the ICE officers and police officers being attacked is not political theater,” Hegseth responded.
Carbajal cut in with, “Just yes or no?”
“The National Guard and Marines have the full authority to protect federal ICE agents,” Hegseth said.
“Yes or no? Can you just say yes or no? This isn’t Fox anymore. Just yes or no,” Carbajal said.
As Hegseth tried to answer, Carbajal interrupted, crassly calling his response a “B.S. answer.”
Carbajal kept poking, telling Hegseth, “Kindergartners can give me a yes or no.”
Rep. Salud Carbajal: “Are the Marines in Los Angeles ordered to protect property by any means necessary?”
Pete Hegseth: “The ICE officers and police officers are not political theater…”
Carbajal: “Can you just say yes or no… this isn’t Fox anymore… another BS answer.” pic.twitter.com/SFBNJGm4AH
— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) June 12, 2025
“Do you think political allegiance to Trump is a requirement for serving our nation, either in uniform or a civilian in the department?” Carbajal Taunted.
Hegseth tried to make a statement about serving the country, but Carbajal interrupted, asking for a yes or no answer again.
“Congressman, you know what a silly question that is,” Hegseth flatly stated.
“You know what? I’m not going to waste my time anymore,” an infuriated Carbajal steamed. “You’re not worthy of my attention or my questions. You’re an embarrassment to this country. You’re unfit to lead. And there’s been bipartisan members of Congress that have called for your resignation. You should just get the hell out and let somebody competent.. competently lead this department.”
Hegseth asked the chairman if the chamber had any rules for decorum, and the chamber as a whole was reminded to behave.
Talk about political theater!
WATCH:
.@RepCarbajal (D-CA) to @SecDef Hegseth: “I’m not going to waste my time anymore. You’re not worthy of my attention or my questions. You’re an embarrassment to this country. You’re unfit to lead…You should just get the hell out.” pic.twitter.com/frSGO16OwM
— CSPAN (@cspan) June 12, 2025
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