Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro Explodes in Budget Hearing, Screams at Pete Hegseth Over Submarine Spending Plan
A routine Defense Department budget hearing turned into a full-blown meltdown Tuesday when Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) — known for her signature purple hair and fiery rhetoric — unleashed a screaming tirade at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a discussion on national defense priorities.
The hearing, held before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, was intended to address the 2026 defense budget proposal. Hegseth, joined by General Dan Caine and acting Pentagon Comptroller Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, calmly responded to DeLauro’s question about submarine investments — but apparently, not quickly or specifically enough.
DeLauro demanded clarity on how the Pentagon plans to ramp up submarine production in the face of China’s naval expansion. But as soon as Hegseth referenced previous missed opportunities under the Biden administration, DeLauro erupted:
“I want your plan!” she shouted, visibly shaking with rage. “I’ve had difficulty with the prior administration… What is your plan for the future?!”
What followed was a tirade that stunned many in the chamber:
“Can we get that in paper and in writing, so we know where you’re going? We don’t have anything today! We have zip, nada!”
As Hegseth attempted to explain that the plan was in progress and that budget allocations would be clearly outlined before the markup, DeLauro continued yelling, insisting that “unless this committee sees dollars and cents,” she may withhold support.
Observers say it was the latest example of partisan theater — a Democrat more focused on performative outrage than policy substance, while Hegseth remained calm and respectful.
Though the exchange centered on submarine funding, the real story was the complete breakdown in decorum from a ranking Democratic member during a critical national security discussion.
