Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to appear before both chambers of Congress on Tuesday morning for budget hearings, as the administration's strategy to pressure European allies into supporting the U.S. war in Iran appears to be faltering.
The testimony comes amid growing frustration within the White House that President Trump's abrupt decision to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany has not compelled European nations to join the conflict in Iran or assist in reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to officials familiar with the discussions, European leaders have remained largely unmoved, with some viewing the troop pull as a unilateral move that undermines NATO solidarity rather than a lever for cooperation.
Trump, who on Monday declared that peace talks with Iran were effectively dead, is now turning his attention to a critical diplomatic engagement. The president will depart for China later Tuesday for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where trade, security, and Iran are expected to dominate the agenda. The trip comes as the Europe's growing defense autonomy further complicates Washington's efforts to build a coalition.
On Capitol Hill, the Senate is expected to continue debate on the nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve. Warsh's nomination cleared its first procedural hurdle on Monday, signaling likely confirmation despite some Democratic opposition. The Fed leadership change comes at a delicate time, as the central bank navigates inflation pressures and the economic fallout from the ongoing Iran conflict.
Meanwhile, voters in Nebraska and West Virginia head to the polls for a slate of primary elections. In Nebraska, a closely watched Republican primary could signal the party's direction on key issues, including foreign policy and the economy. In West Virginia, several down-ballot races are generating interest as the state's political landscape shifts.
The administration's Iran strategy remains under scrutiny, with reports of internal divisions over the scope of military operations. A recent public feud between Hegseth and former Defense Secretary John Kelly has exposed alarming depletion of U.S. weapons stockpiles, raising concerns about the sustainability of the current campaign. Some GOP senators have urged Trump to focus on Iran rather than other potential flashpoints, such as Cuba.
As the president prepares for his China visit, the fate of the Iran conflict and its impact on the domestic economy are likely to be central topics. Analysts warn that the war's toll on the job market could influence the upcoming midterm elections, with Trump's political fortunes increasingly tied to the conflict's outcome.
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