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Live updates: Hegseth blasts European allies, media at press conference; Iran targets Gulf energy sites

What happened

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested $200 billion in additional funding for ongoing military operations against Iran, now in their 20th day under 'Operation Epic Fury.' During a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth defended the funding request saying 'it takes money to kill bad guys' while criticizing European allies as 'ungrateful' and the media as 'dishonest.' The briefing came after Iran struck energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Why people care

This represents a significant escalation in military spending requests amid active conflict with Iran. Hegseth's confrontational approach with allies and media during wartime briefings has drawn attention, as has his direct language about military funding and operations.

The takes

Critics say

Hegseth's inflammatory rhetoric and attacks on allies and media are inappropriate during sensitive military operations. His blunt comments about funding to 'kill bad guys' and accusations that media wants Trump to fail demonstrate poor judgment for a Defense Secretary during wartime.

Supporters say

Hegseth is being direct about military realities and pushing back against unfair media coverage of the administration's response to Iranian aggression. The funding request is necessary for effective operations, and calling out uncooperative allies and biased reporting serves the national interest.

Sources

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