President-elect Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, faced a rigorous confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, January 14. His past conduct drew criticism from Democrats, while Republicans commended his potential for bringing change.
In his opening remarks, Hegseth argued that military issues should remain unaffected by political considerations.
The hearing soon split along political lines. Democrats focused on accusations of sexual misconduct, financial irregularities at veterans’ groups, and contentious statements about women in combat roles. In contrast, Republicans highlighted Hegseth’s military service and viewed his outsider status as a positive attribute.
The newly appointed chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, recognized Hegseth as an “unconventional” choice, drawing comparisons to Trump’s leadership approach.
Central to the hearing was a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth. A female staffer from a Republican women’s group reported him for preventing her from leaving his hotel room and forcing himself on her after a political convention in Monterey, California. Although charges were never filed, Hegseth later agreed to an undisclosed settlement with the accuser. The FBI background check reportedly did not include interviews with the woman or Hegseth’s former wives.
The committee’s leading Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, argued that Hegseth’s alleged behavior and writings would disqualify any military leader, let alone a Defense Secretary nominee. He indicated his intention to vote against a defense nominee for the first time in his nearly 30-year Senate career.
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand questioned Hegseth about his recent comments on women serving in combat roles. She cited a November podcast where Hegseth suggested that the United States should not allow women in combat and claimed that men are better suited for these roles. Gillibrand urged Hegseth to clarify these statements, which she labeled as harsh and disrespectful to those who risk their lives serving the country.
The hearing also covered allegations regarding Hegseth’s management of two veterans’ nonprofit organizations. According to a report by The New Yorker, Hegseth was ousted from leadership roles due to concerns over donor fund usage and workplace conduct. Hegseth defended his record, claiming pride in every dollar spent at these organizations.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, defended Hegseth, accusing his colleagues of hypocrisy: “How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night? Don’t tell me you haven’t seen it, because you have,” he stated. “And how many senators do you know have gotten divorced for cheating on their wives? … It is ridiculous you guys hold yourselves to higher standards.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, a former Army helicopter pilot who lost both her legs in Iraq, adamantly pressed Hegseth to answer questions he was attempting to sidestep. She retorted, “Let’s not lower our standards for you,” echoing Hegseth’s comments about women in the military.
Issues surrounding Hegseth’s alcohol consumption, mentioned by his former Fox News colleagues, led to Hegseth’s promise to abstain from alcohol if confirmed as defense secretary. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, referred to NBC News’ reporting about these workplace concerns during her questioning.
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a military veteran and sexual assault survivor who has previously voiced doubts about Hegseth’s nomination, focused on his stance on women in combat roles during the hearing. She seemed satisfied when Hegseth affirmed his support for maintaining women’s access to combat positions while emphasizing high standards.
The heated hearing, frequently interrupted by protestors, sets the stage for more confirmation hearings this week as senators attempt to assist Trump in establishing his administration before the inauguration.
