Congress grills the Defense Secretary about the war and the Pentagon's big budget 'ask'

Congress grills the Defense Secretary about the war and the Pentagon's big budget 'ask'

From The 11th Hour with Ali Velshi by MS NOW, Ali Velshi

April 30, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 260429

About this episode

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth answers Congress's questions about the Iran War and its costs, while the Supreme Court impacts the Voting Rights Act and the Federal Reserve maintains interest rates amidst dissent.

On tonight’s Nightcap: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces questions from Congress for the first time since the Iran War, and gives the first public estimate of how much the war has cost. Then, the Supreme Court deals a blow to the Voting Rights Act, striking down a Louisiana congressional map. Plus, the Federal Reserve holds rates steady, but the decision comes with the highest level of dissent in 30 years. David Rohde, Alex Wagner, David Gura, and Joel Payne join The 11th Hour this Wednesday night.

People in this episode

Host: Stephanie Ruhle

Guests: Pete Hegseth, David Rohde, Alex Wagner, David Gura, Joel Payne

Topics covered

  • Congress
  • Defense Secretary
  • Iran War
  • Voting Rights
  • Federal Reserve
  • Budget

Keywords

  • Defense Secretary
  • Congress
  • Iran War
  • Voting Rights Act
  • Federal Reserve
  • budget
  • Supreme Court

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Supreme Court, Federal Reserve

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