The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, expressed his reluctance to comply with a federal court ruling against the deployment of national guard troops and US marines to Los Angeles, showcasing the Trump administration’s tendency to disregard court decisions it disagrees with. This defiance has led to numerous lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s policies, with Democrats warning of a constitutional crisis.

California challenged Trump’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles, resulting in a federal judge’s ruling in favor of returning control to Governor Gavin Newsom. However, an appeals court intervened, indicating a potential alignment with Trump’s authority over the troops. Hegseth emphasized his belief that district courts should not influence national security policy and vowed to abide by Supreme Court decisions.

During a Senate armed services committee hearing, Hegseth faced scrutiny over troop deployments, internal turmoil within the Pentagon, and the prospect of US involvement in an attack on Iran. Questions arose regarding the rules of engagement for troops in California and plans for post-regime-change scenarios in Iran, to which Hegseth affirmed the military’s preparedness for various situations.

Criticism towards Hegseth included his removal of diversity and equity policies from the military and the renaming of bases that honor Confederacy figures. Democratic senators raised concerns about the lack of communication with families affected by these changes and protested against Hegseth’s appointment of controversial figures within the Pentagon.

The contentious hearing highlighted the deep divisions and challenges facing the Defense Department under Hegseth’s leadership, with Democrats accusing him of negligence and lack of control over departmental affairs.