Senate Republicans unleashed a blistering rebuke of the Pentagon’s policy apparatus yesterday, declaring it an “unacceptable breakdown” that directly defies President Trump’s orders and leaves Congress—and America’s allies—in the dark.
The hearing opened with Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) slamming the policy shop for “stonewalling” congressional oversight on critical national security decisions. His tone left no doubt: the Pentagon must answer for this chaos.
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) piled on, labeling the office “the worst in the administration” and insisting it’s easier to get hot takes from the media than straight facts from Pentagon officials. “We’re on your team,” he fumed. “So why do you treat us like an afterthought?”
Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) didn’t mince words. He likened the policy shop to “Pigpen’s cloud of dust”—a swirling mess that obscures real strategy and undermines the chain of command.
At issue: an abrupt freeze on Ukraine security aid, a sudden review of the AUKUS submarine pact, and the unexplained cancellation of an Army brigade deployment to Romania. All moves were at odds with the commander-in-chief’s public commitments.
Witness Austin Dahmer, President Trump’s nominee for assistant secretary for strategy, plans and forces, was unprepared. He attempted to blame “inaccurate reporting,” but senators quickly pointed out Pentagon spokesmen had publicly confirmed the very pauses he denied.
Wicker demanded clarity on why Congress wasn’t briefed in advance. Dahmer claimed three notifications had been sent—an assertion that only deepened the committee’s frustration over “notifications” versus real, substantive briefings.
Even internal job titles became a source of outrage. The nominee admitted Congress only learned days ago that his role had been quietly retitled—another example of top-down reorganization carried out without legislative consultation.
Democrats joined the chorus. Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) accused Dahmer of hiding behind a “veil of ignorance,” despite having served as the de facto deputy policy chief. Reed warned that such evasiveness “does not bode well” for the Pentagon’s future.
Under Secretary Elbridge Colby, the Senate was told, has instituted a near-total ban on direct communications with lawmakers, routing every request through a closed legislative affairs office. The result: secrecy by design.
This hearing underscored a simple truth: civilian leaders must control their own defense apparatus. Congress won’t tolerate rogue bureaucrats undermining the president or leaving critical decisions unexplained.
The message was clear and uncompromising: restore accountability, comply with the commander-in-chief’s directives, and brief Congress in full—immediately. America’s security demands nothing less.
