Pete Hegseth Stunned After Being Called “Useless” on Live TV—Congressional Grilling Turns Into Viral Meltdown

Pete Hegseth, a familiar face from Fox News and now a top Pentagon official, just experienced one of the most brutal public grillings in recent congressional history. In a hearing that was supposed to be a routine defense budget review, a Democratic member of Congress straight up called Hegseth “useless” on live TV—and what followed was a cascade of pointed questions, exposed blunders, and viral moments that left viewers stunned.

The Moment It All Went Downhill

From the start, the tone was confrontational.
“Your training at Fox News has let you spin months of dangerous dysfunction and incompetence into catchy phrases like ‘restoring the warrior ethos’ and ‘increasing lethality.’ But the truth is, it’s been chaos at the Pentagon under your leadership. You’ve clearly shown you’re unable to manage the Department of Defense. But what I’m most concerned about are three specific areas: operational incompetence, managerial incompetence, and budgetary incompetence.”

Hegseth’s face said it all—he wasn’t ready for the barrage that was coming.

Operational Incompetence: The Ukraine Aid Debacle

The congresswoman wasted no time. She brought up reports that, in his first week on the job, Hegseth misunderstood a National Security Council directive and halted vital military aid to Ukraine, costing millions and depriving Ukrainian soldiers of crucial equipment.
“Can you explain how exactly you misunderstood such a monumental presidential order?”
Hegseth’s response was defensive, blaming “fake news headlines” and “ill-informed reporters.” But when pressed on why aid restarted just days later, he could only dodge:
“I’m saying the reporting is inaccurate, ma’am.”
The congresswoman didn’t buy it, moving on with a cutting remark:
“I think we can see why you misunderstood the president—because you’re obviously misunderstanding my questions.”

Managerial Incompetence: Firing Top Military Leaders

Next came the managerial critique.
“Less than a month into the job, you fired the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Chief of Naval Operations without cause… As far as I can tell, you fired CQ Brown because he was Black and Lisa Franchetti because she is a woman.”
Hegseth tried to deflect, suggesting not to believe every headline, but when asked about the lack of a new nominee for Chief of Naval Operations, he could only offer vague promises:
“In due time, for all the right reasons.”
The congresswoman’s verdict was blunt:
“Again, I think we’ve seen the managerial incompetence.”

Budgetary Incompetence: Missed Deadlines and Vanity Projects

The budgetary grilling was just as fierce.
“You missed the deadline to submit a draft defense budget, making it impossible for us to complete our work… You’re blowing money on poorly conceived operations and vanity projects for President Trump.”
She listed examples:

$400 million on retrofitting a Qatari jet as Air Force One
$40 million on a DC parade
$1 billion on bombing campaigns
Tens of millions on LA operations
Hegseth tried to pivot to “securing the southern border,” but the congresswoman pressed:
“What priorities have you cut funding for to pay for these projects?”
Hegseth’s answer: “We make trade-offs every day…”
But the damage was done.
“I think the American people can see why I’m so concerned about this incompetence.”

The Viral Moment: “Useless” Goes Mainstream

The hearing’s most viral moment came when the congresswoman summarized:
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Secretary Hegseth, you’ve shown you’re unable to manage operations, personnel, or budgets. Frankly, you’re useless.”

Social media exploded. Clips of Hegseth’s stunned reaction circulated instantly, with hashtags like #HegsethMeltdown and #PentagonChaos trending nationwide.

No Escape: Bipartisan Frustration

Other members piled on. The chair pointed out Hegseth’s failure to submit the budget on time—a legal requirement—and his inability to pass a Department of Defense audit, another long-standing issue.
“When can we expect your budget, Mr. Hegseth?”
Hegseth’s answer: “You will have it very soon.”
But he refused to commit to a date, further fueling frustration.

When asked about American AI dominance in the face of China’s military modernization, Hegseth could only offer generic reassurances. On cyber operations against Russia, he denied ordering a pause, but agreed to follow up after the hearing.

A Reputation in Freefall

The hearing exposed not just policy failures, but a deeper crisis of competence and credibility. Hegseth’s inability to answer direct questions, his defensive posturing, and his reliance on Fox News-style talking points left even his supporters shaken.

By the end, the message was clear:
Congress is no longer willing to accept spin over substance. With billions at stake and national security on the line, the days of empty slogans are over.

The Fallout

As the hearing ended, Hegseth’s reputation was in freefall. Commentators from across the political spectrum weighed in, with some calling for his resignation and others demanding a full investigation into Pentagon leadership.

But perhaps the most telling outcome was the response from everyday Americans.
People want answers, accountability, and real leadership—not empty rhetoric.

What do you think? Should Pete Hegseth stay or go? Was Congress right to call him out? Drop your thoughts below and share this story—because in Washington, “useless” is one label you can’t afford to wear.