Hegseth backs Trump's military agenda and seeks $350 billion more
Hegseth also defended the Iran campaign and dismissed Democratic impeachment efforts, as NBC News reported Trump is weighing replacing him.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Congress on Thursday to approve at least $350 billion in extra military funding, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.
In a lengthy video message, Hegseth said he would not waver from the Pentagon's priorities and backed President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda.
Hegseth credited Trump with restoring the department's core mission of warfighting, which Trump has renamed the Department of War.
He said the administration had eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion programs, dismissed military leaders it considered unsuccessful, strengthened global deterrence and increased military recruitment.
He described the requested reconciliation package as a generational investment needed to keep the United States ahead in a dangerous world.
"We need every vote from every patriotic member of Congress," Hegseth said.
Hegseth also defended the military campaign against Iran, calling it a "courageous and historic effort" that he said would prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
He dismissed Democratic efforts to impeach him as political theater, saying the allegations were an attempt to undermine opponents.
NBC News reported Thursday that Trump has told some allies in recent days that he is considering replacing Hegseth.
Trump dismissed that speculation on Wednesday, telling reporters, "No, he's doing a very good job."
Hegseth has faced mounting criticism from lawmakers in both parties over the Iran war, military transparency and Pentagon spending.
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, introduced a resolution in September seeking Hegseth's impeachment and has said he will force a House vote as early as next week unless Hegseth resigns.
The White House has given no indication that a leadership change is imminent.
