Hegseth Dodges Questions on Troop Deployment to L.A., Sparking Tensions with Khanna

Representative Ro Khanna of California engaged in a pointed exchange with Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Senate hearing on June 12, 2025. The focus of the discussion was the potential deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles to quell protests, a move opposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Khanna directly asked Hegseth if he would abide by any court rulings that might prohibit such deployment. Hegseth, in response, repeatedly described the situation as "pending." This evasion prompted further questioning from Khanna, who emphasized the importance of respecting judicial decisions in such matters. Hegseth countered that local judges shouldn't dictate national security policy. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between federal and state authority, and the role of the judiciary in overseeing the actions of the executive branch. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about the appropriate use of the military in domestic situations.