Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced scrutiny from members of both parties following reports that he has excluded Democrats from classified briefings regarding the Trump administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget. Hegseth, who has made multiple trips to Capitol Hill to advocate for the spending increase, has conducted these sessions behind closed doors without inviting Democratic lawmakers.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis has publicly criticized the approach, suggesting that Hegseth’s decision to lock out the opposition is counterproductive to his own legislative goals. According to reports, the exclusion of Democrats has created friction, with some lawmakers warning that the strategy may jeopardize the passage of the record-breaking budget increase. While Hegseth has reportedly referred to himself as the "secretary of war" in his advocacy efforts, critics argue that the lack of transparency is undermining the consensus-building required to pass such a significant financial package. The situation highlights a growing tension between the executive branch's defense leadership and the legislative process, as the administration attempts to navigate a polarized Congress to secure its military funding priorities.