Allies will 'face consequences' for not helping US, says Pete Hegseth

WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Washington will reward allies that increase defence spending and penalise those that fall short, adopting a combative tone in testimony before Congress on Wednesday.

"Model allies that step up, like Israel, South Korea, Poland, Finland and the Baltics, will receive our special favour," Hegseth said in prepared remarks to the House Armed Services Committee. "Allies that do not - those that fail to meet their obligations - will face consequences."

The hearing, centred on the Trump administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget, gave lawmakers their first public opportunity to question officials on the US war with Iran, which began on Feb. 28.


The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Persian Gulf, pushed up global energy prices and strained relations with European allies, even as President Donald Trump presses Tehran to negotiate under a US naval blockade.

The committee's top Democrat, Adam Smith, criticised the administration for "gratuitously" alienating allies in NATO and for acting unilaterally in Iran.

"What is the plan to achieve our objectives? We've seen the costs," Smith said, calling the budget proposal "hopelessly unrealistic."

With midterm elections approaching and cost-of-living concerns rising, some Republican lawmakers are wary of backing a $440 billion increase in defence spending, particularly if it comes at the expense of social programmes.