Members of President Donald Trump’s administration confronted Democrats during a recent hearing, deflecting tough questions aimed at them.
Democrats attempted to corner Trump’s cabinet members but found themselves responding to information not typically highlighted by the Democrats or mainstream media. Officials like Department of Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided Congress with context on issues such as the Los Angeles riots and the case of MS-13 member Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
On June 10, during a House Appropriations Committee meeting, Minnesota Democrat Betty McCollum criticized Trump’s prompt action to deploy the National Guard and Marines in response to the riots in Los Angeles. Lawmakers compared Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz’s response to the 2020 riots with Trump’s approach. Hegseth reminded McCollum of the chaos that unfolded under Governor Waltz’s watch, stating, “Thank you for your question. We’re both from Minnesota, and I remember the year 2020 well—Governor Waltz allowed the police precincts to be abandoned and burned down,” he pointed out, elaborating on the five days of confusion experienced in Minneapolis before the National Guard was eventually deployed.”
McCollum, seemingly ignoring Hegseth’s critique of Walz, redirected the conversation back to budget questions she had prepared for the Secretary of Defense.
“Chairman, I have limited time. I asked a question about the budget, so can we get back to that?” she inquired.
Hegseth, without missing a beat, responded, “You asked about the situation in Los Angeles and whether ICE agents should be allowed to safely do their jobs. We deployed the National Guard to ensure their protection, unlike what Governor Waltz did in 2020.”
Amidst the heated exchange, Republican lawmakers reacted, indicating they found the back-and-forth frustrating.
In a separate exchange, Connecticut Representative Rosa Delauro vocally challenged Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding answers regarding a proposed merger between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Delauro accused Bondi of hindering ATF agents in their efforts to address illegal firearms and drug trafficking, while Bondi attempted to clarify. The moment escalated as Delauro interrupted her with loud remarks.
“All I want is an answer to my questions,” Delauro insisted. “What has been the effect of funding cuts on the number of ATF officers expected to leave?”
The tension intensified when Bondi called for legislators to act more decisively.
“Unlike you, I was trying to answer your questions calmly,” Bondi said before Delauro interrupted again.
“Just answer yes or no! What are the numbers?” Delauro interjected, pushing for specific details.
Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, during her commentary on the 2020 riots, expressed concern over military involvement in protests. She pressed for reassurance that troops had not received orders to use deadly force against unarmed individuals.
Hegseth replied, trying to clarify the misunderstanding, stating, “You need to be mindful of the context of what you’re reading.” Slotkin mentioned a claim from former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, alleging Trump had suggested extreme measures against protesters, allegations that have not been substantiated.
California Representative Linda Sanchez directed her frustrations at Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, trying to pin him down over Trump’s tariffs. After noting that Besant had suggested the tariffs would raise prices, Sanchez accused him of being inconsistent in his responses.
As she pressed, Sanchez accused him of being condescending, saying, “I know I’m a woman, but limit yourself to answering my questions.”
Amid groans from Republican lawmakers, the debate focused on differing perceptions of the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs, with Besant pushing back on estimates concerning household costs.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged with Washington Representative Pramila Jayapal over the revocation of student visas for non-citizens. Jayapal argued that such actions infringed upon First Amendment rights, whereas Rubio defended the decision, insisting that student visas are privileges that can be revoked.
Rubio highlighted a specific case involving Mahmoud Khalil, accusing him of associations with terrorist activities, while Jayapal also referred to another instance concerning a Turkish national with pro-Palestinian views.
Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem took a stand against California Representative Eric Swalwell during discussions about the deportation of MS-13 member Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Swalwell presented visuals to support his arguments, but Noem asserted that deporting Garcia was justified and that he posed a known threat.
Garcia entered the U.S. illegally in 2011 and had a history of troubling behavior, including alleged smuggling and domestic violence issues. Noem firmly stated her stance against allowing known criminals to remain in the country, visibly frustrated with Swalwell’s focus on the photographic evidence.
