Doublespeak

Hegseth indicates reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not a core US objective: "We've been willing to lead, President Trump has led the entire time, but it's not just us. You might want to start learning how to fight for yourself." pic.twitter.com/LDQXCijhSS

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 31, 2026

RUBIO: “Imagine if Iran spent billions on its people instead of weapons... They’d have a much different country.”🤔😕

Unreal. @marcorubio Do you even hear yourselves? Your shameless hypocrisy is killing us pic.twitter.com/4DaihfajzR

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) March 31, 2026

Hegseth: "As far as President Trump and boots on the ground, I don't understand why the base wouldn't have faith in his ability to execute on this. Look at his track record." pic.twitter.com/v73s09B8BA

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 31, 2026

The base? And the rest of us are chopped liver?

Hegseth: "The president was clear this morning in his Truth that there are countries around the world who ought to be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well. Last time I checked there was supposed to be a big bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like… pic.twitter.com/WTVurKV2jQ

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 31, 2026

Hegseth on when US objectives will be achieved: "He said four to six weeks, six to eight weeks, three weeks -- it could by any particular number. It will be the president's determination." pic.twitter.com/YBSdPN1vjg

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 31, 2026

It’s up to Trump to declare victory, and up to us to just accept that.

Hegseth: "As far as NATO, that's a decision that will be left to the president, but a lot has been laid bare ... you don't have much of an alliance if you have countries that are not willing to stand with you when you need them." pic.twitter.com/Utw9NEnSu7

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 31, 2026

Remind me again, when did Iran attack us? (And actually, that decision is up to Congress. I think Rubio sponsored that bill.)