Pete Hegseth Sparks Criticism For Scheduling Fundraiser Appearance During Wartime

As U.S. troops continue to risk their lives fighting in the Middle East, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that he plans to attend an event in Iowa later this month despite the ongoing hostilities.

U.S. and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28, killing supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has fought back launching numerous missiles and drones at targets throughout the region including U.S. military bases. As of 4 p.m., March 2, U.S. Central Command reported that six U.S. service members had been killed since the military operation began.

The Daily Beast reported that the despite the ongoing and widening conflict, Hegseth is planning to attend a fundraising event March 14 for Iowa Republican Congressman Zach Nunn.

“WINGMAN CONFIRMED: Secretary @PeteHegseth is coming to Iowa,” Nunn posted on X while using imagery inspired from the film “Top Gun.”

Several commenters took issue with the timing of the event.

“If the war is still going on the 14th you should cancel this. Gross that you’re even promoting this in this moment and that he says he’s attending. Profoundly unserious and disrespectful to our troops overseas,” wrote one user on X.

“Doesn’t Hegseth have anything important to attend to in Washington? Hegseth is a disgrace and if he’s your wingman then you’re a disgrace, too, Zach,” wrote another.

The Daily Beast reported that tickets for the event range from $26 to $3,500 for six tickets and an invitation to a VIP reception. The website noted that the fine print on Nunn’s flyer states, that Hegseth is a “special guest” at the event and his appearance “is not a solicitation of funds.”