May 25, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: When members of Congress questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the true costs and logistics of the U.S. conflict in Iran, he accused them of being unpatriotic and partisan. During a heated hearing, he told one representative, “Shame on you,” and stated, “Your hatred for President Trump blinds you”. When asked about the administration’s economic policies, an arrogant Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed lawmakers’ inquiries and responded with personal insults.
Confronted with direct questions requiring uncomplicated answers, members of the administration deflect and evade queries, attack lawmakers, blame the previous administration, or utter untruths. There is never a direct response.
The inability to justify their actions affects our lives weakening national defenses, damaging the economy, endangering health and safety, trashing the environment, stifling research efforts, and diminishing educational resources. he duplicity of current administration officials undermines the oversight functions of Congress and erodes our democratic form of representation. FRANK SETTLE Lexington
