politics
April 30, 2026
Code Pink protester crashes Hegseth’s Senate testimony to condemn ‘war for Israel’
As our colleague Robert Tait reports, US defense secretary Pete Hegseth’s attempt to put a positive spin on the ongoing US war on Iran was immediately challenged, first by the ranking Democrat on the armed services committee, senator Jack Reed, who lambasted his “dangerously exaggerated” claims, and then by a protester who shouted, “you’re a war criminal!”
TL;DR
- A Code Pink activist disrupted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Senate testimony, protesting the war on Iran and calling him a "war criminal."
- The Senate voted 47-50 to block a Democratic attempt to stop the war in Iran, marking the sixth failed attempt this year.
- Congress passed a 45-day extension for warrantless spying powers under FISA Section 702, with disagreements over reforms continuing.
- President Trump signed a funding bill for Homeland Security, ending a government shutdown, and discussed White House renovations and potential use of a bulletproof vest.
- Trump also announced the removal of tariffs on whiskey between Scotland and Kentucky in honor of the King and Queen's visit.
- The Maine Senate race sees a shake-up as Governor Janet Mills suspends her bid, potentially paving the way for progressive newcomer Platner.
- Hegseth faced criticism from Senator Jack Reed for his claims of victory in Iran and from Senator Mark Kelly regarding his "no mercy, no quarter" statement.
Continue reading the original article