WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pete Hegseth delivered a blunt address to Congress, sharply criticizing lawmakers who have labeled the current military campaign a “quagmire.”
He emphasized that such assessments are irresponsible, weak, and foster a defeatist mentality, especially since the campaign is only two months old.
“My generation served in real quagmires in Iraq and Afghanistan that lasted for years with vague missions and failed nation-building goals,” he said.
He argued that calling the current campaign a “quagmire” after just two months does not reflect reality and damages soldier morale.
“You are tarnishing the efforts of the soldiers when you say that. It’s been two months. You need to understand that,” he said, while also criticizing the use of the media to push controversial narratives.
The Secretary of Defense asserted that U.S. forces have achieved “significant success on the battlefield,” opening strategic opportunities, and emphasized that the decision to confront Iran was a necessary step to prevent nuclear threats.
He questioned the motives of the critical lawmakers: “Whose side are you on? Who are you supporting?”
According to him, claiming to support the military while simultaneously calling the campaign a “quagmire” is a clear contradiction that harms the ongoing mission.
He also suggested that the opposition stems from hostility toward President Donald Trump, overshadowing actual battlefield results and the campaign's importance.
