Lawmakers Accuse Hegseth of Defunding Civilian Protection Programs Amid Iran War Casualties
Salon—Congressional lawmakers have accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of defunding and obstructing Pentagon programs designed to minimize civilian casualties in conflict zones, even as the U.S. war in Iran has produced mounting civilian deaths. The allegations center on programs that track civilian harm and implement mitigation measures during military operations, which Hegseth is said to have sidelined or cut. Critics argue the moves violate U.S. international law obligations and undermine American moral authority in the ongoing conflict. The Pentagon has not issued a formal response to the specific accusations from lawmakers.