In a highly scrutinized hearing on Capitol Hill, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced lawmakers for the first time since the recent Signal leaks and the deployment of Marines to Los Angeles. The hearing was marked by sharp questioning from Democrats regarding the cost and implications of deploying troops to the city, which Hegseth defended, stating that the presence of National Guard and Marines aimed to protect ICE agents during operations. Notably, Hegseth dismissed concerns over the $134 million cost associated with the deployment, as highlighted by Pentagon officials, while also engaging in heated exchanges with Congress members over the defense budget and responses to recent LA protests. The aftermath of his testimony continues to reverberate in discussions about national security and immigration enforcement.