New york city: US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday for his management of the Iran war. During his remarks in New York City, Jeffries described Hegseth as "the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history," questioning his capabilities and leadership, given his previous position as a television personality on Fox News.

According to Anadolu Agency, Jeffries expressed skepticism over Hegseth's appointment, stating, "This guy can't organize a two-car funeral. He was a Fox News host, and now he is the secretary of defense? No wonder things are turning out so horrifically over in the Middle East." Jeffries highlighted recent changes in the Trump administration, noting the firings of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, suggesting that Hegseth might be next.

Jeffries further accused President Donald Trump of mismanaging national priorities, criticizing the administration's focus on the Middle East over domestic economic issues. "This president has failed the American people in so many different ways," he said. "Refuses to spend a dime to make life more affordable for you but is spending billions of dollars to drop bombs in a reckless war of choice in the Middle East."