Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu accuses Trump’s UN Ambassador Mike Waltz of giving ‘false information to Congress,’ tells him to resign: ‘Shame on you’
Rep. Ted Lieu sharply confronted President Donald Trump’s U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz during a heated House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, accusing him of misleading Congress about U.S. casualties from the Iran war and calling on him to resign.
Ted Lieu questioned troop casualties
The tense exchange began after the California Democrat questioned Waltz about U.S. troop casualties linked to the conflict with Iran. Waltz attempted to redirect the inquiry, saying, “I’m here as the U.N. ambassador, but I’m happy to refer you to Pete Hegseth‘s testimony.”
Lieu rejected that response, arguing that Iran policy falls squarely within Waltz’s responsibilities at the United Nations.
“In your opening statement, you bragged about doing a Security Council resolution on Iran. So, yes, Iran is in your job responsibility. Focus on it, and focus on the troops that have been wounded and killed. Do not be so callous with the safety and lives of American troops. I’m going to ask you again: Are U.S. troops currently stationed in Jordan?” Lieu said.
Heated back and forth
As the lawmakers spoke over one another, Waltz issued a warning to Lieu, saying, “Try to get reelected.”
Lieu fired back, “I will. November is coming for you and this administration. Are U.S. troops stationed in Jordan? It’s not even a trick question. Are they?”
Waltz finally answered, “Of course they are.”
U.S. troop security in Jordan
Lieu then pressed Waltz over U.S. troop security in Jordan, referencing Trump’s past criticism of Jordanian operators after an Iranian missile penetrated defenses and killed three American service members.
“Who are we going to have protect U.S. troops? They are exposed right now in the Middle East, repeatedly being exposed to Iranian missiles and missile strikes in droves. You don’t even know how many U.S. troops were wounded in this Iran war. Shame on you for not even knowing basic facts,” Lieu said.
“You are the U.S. ambassador, and you don’t even know how many U.S. troops were wounded in the Iran war — you got that wrong. You should be ashamed. You don’t know basic facts. You should resign! You don’t even care about the number of U.S. troops that were wounded. You did not know how many U.S. troops were wounded — you gave false information to Congress. You should be ashamed of yourself for not even knowing how many U.S. troops were wounded in the Iranian war,” Lieu continued.
A Republican member of the committee interrupted, saying, “The gentleman’s words should be taken down. You should not use such derogatory language for the distinguished ambassador. Seriously, I know you’re upset.”