During a series of contentious hearings, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the deployment of Marines and the National Guard to Los Angeles amidst ongoing protests. Lawmakers pressed him on the financial implications of this military presence, with objections raised about the reported costs exceeding $134 million. Hegseth emphasized the need to protect ICE agents during operations, casting the move as a necessary response to civil unrest stemming from the George Floyd murder. The hearings were marked by intense exchanges, particularly between Hegseth and Democratic representatives, with one Congresswoman expressing frustration over the lack of detailed information on the defense budget. As Hegseth faced inquiries about whether military deployments are justified in domestic protests, many members of Congress expressed dissatisfaction with his explanations.