Senator Bill Hagerty Discusses U.S.–Iran Conflict, Homeland Security, and Federal Budget in Exclusiv
In an in-depth interview on Tuesday morning, U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee addressed the latest developments in the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, the national security implications at home, and the urgent push for passage of a major federal tax and spending bill.
Speaking just hours after reports of a violated ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Hagerty, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, confirmed that some military activity had continued, possibly as part of pre-planned missions. “President Trump has made it clear—he expects this ceasefire to hold,” Hagerty said, stressing that now is the time for negotiations to move forward.
On the recent U.S. bombing of fortified Iranian nuclear sites, Hagerty praised the effectiveness of the operation, calling it a “devastating blow” to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “These were sites so deeply embedded that only the United States had the capability to strike them,” he noted. While not declaring Iran’s nuclear program eliminated, Hagerty said the damage had significantly set back Iran’s ability to weaponize uranium.
Addressing Iran’s retaliatory response earlier in the week, Hagerty said it was largely symbolic. “They wanted to show their citizens they were still in the fight,” he explained, noting that the Iranian regime notified intermediaries in advance and avoided blaming the U.S. directly, instead targeting Israel in rhetoric and action. “They are on a war of attrition that they are not winning,” he added, pointing to the depletion of Iran’s missile stockpiles and ongoing Israeli counterstrikes.
Hagerty also expressed serious concerns about potential threats on U.S. soil following the strikes. Citing public data, he revealed that under the Biden administration, over 700 individuals from Iran who crossed into the U.S. illegally were released into the country. “We have no idea what kind of Iranian assets may be on the ground here,” he warned, urging vigilance despite a lack of direct calls for attacks from Iranian religious leaders.
Shifting to domestic policy, Hagerty weighed in on the much-anticipated federal tax and spending bill—dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” by its supporters—which aims to provide significant tax relief and stimulate capital investment. He voiced strong support for Senate Majority Whip John Thune’s plan to hold a vote before the July 4th recess, saying, “More capital investment means more jobs, and more jobs means more economic activity.”
He also criticized the Congressional Budget Office’s past projections, stating they underestimated the revenue boost from tax-driven economic growth by over $1 trillion after the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “They’re somewhere on the spectrum between voodoo and malpractice,” he remarked.
As for concerns over Medicaid cuts, Hagerty pushed back against Democratic claims, clarifying that proposed work requirements are aimed at preserving the program for those truly in need. “We’re working to strengthen Medicaid and keep rural hospitals open,” he said.
With both international and domestic issues reaching critical junctures, Hagerty emphasized the need for decisive leadership. “President Trump means business,” he concluded, “and the world is taking notice.”