Senators question Pete Hegseth’s qualifications for Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny from senators during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense, addressing allegations of misconduct and his stance on women in combat roles
Updated: 5:00 PM EST Jan 14, 2025
Senate Democrats grilled Pete Hegseth over his lack of government experience and misconduct allegations, while Republicans defended him during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense.See excerpts in the video above”Returning the Pentagon back to war-fighting. That’s it. That’s my job,” Hegseth said.”I don’t believe that you can tell this committee, or the people of America, that you are qualified,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut.”Mr. Hegseth will bring energy and fresh ideas to shake up the bureaucracy,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi.Hegseth, a former Fox News host, is an Ivy League graduate and an Army combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.”It’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm. A change agent,” Hegseth said.Senators questioned Hegseth’s comments that the military “should not have women in combat roles.””As Secretary of Defense, will you support women continuing to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles?” asked combat veteran Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.”Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, combat roles given the standards remain high,” Hegseth responded.Combat veteran Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, fired back at Hegseth’s response. Arguing questions over his infidelity, financial mismanagement, and excessive drinking make Hegseth unfit.”How can we ask these soldiers to train and perform at the absolute highest standards when you are asking us to lower the standards to make you Secretary of Defense?” Sen. Duckworth asked.Hegseth has promised senators he would not drink alcohol if confirmed.”One of your colleagues said you got drunk at an event at a bar and chanted ‘kill all Muslims.’ Another colleague, not anonymous, we have this, said that you took coworkers to a strip club,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia.The hearing also included testimony of Hegseth’s former colleagues speaking highly of his character.”I’m not a perfect person, but redemption is real, and God forged me in ways I know that I’m prepared for,” Hegseth said.The committee is scheduled to vote on Monday to decide whether to send Hegseth’s nomination to the full Senate for final confirmation.According to a new poll by the Associated Press, only 19 percent of Americans approve of Pete Hegseth to oversee the Pentagon, while 35 percent disapprove, and 33 percent say they don’t know enough to have an opinion.
WASHINGTON —Senate Democrats grilled Pete Hegseth over his lack of government experience and misconduct allegations, while Republicans defended him during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense.
See excerpts in the video above
“Returning the Pentagon back to war-fighting. That’s it. That’s my job,” Hegseth said.
“I don’t believe that you can tell this committee, or the people of America, that you are qualified,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut.
“Mr. Hegseth will bring energy and fresh ideas to shake up the bureaucracy,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, is an Ivy League graduate and an Army combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm. A change agent,” Hegseth said.
Senators questioned Hegseth’s comments that the military “should not have women in combat roles.”
“As Secretary of Defense, will you support women continuing to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles?” asked combat veteran Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.
“Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, combat roles given the standards remain high,” Hegseth responded.
Combat veteran Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, fired back at Hegseth’s response. Arguing questions over his infidelity, financial mismanagement, and excessive drinking make Hegseth unfit.
“How can we ask these soldiers to train and perform at the absolute highest standards when you are asking us to lower the standards to make you Secretary of Defense?” Sen. Duckworth asked.
Hegseth has promised senators he would not drink alcohol if confirmed.
“One of your colleagues said you got drunk at an event at a bar and chanted ‘kill all Muslims.’ Another colleague, not anonymous, we have this, said that you took coworkers to a strip club,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia.
The hearing also included testimony of Hegseth’s former colleagues speaking highly of his character.
“I’m not a perfect person, but redemption is real, and God forged me in ways I know that I’m prepared for,” Hegseth said.
The committee is scheduled to vote on Monday to decide whether to send Hegseth’s nomination to the full Senate for final confirmation.
According to a new poll by the Associated Press, only 19 percent of Americans approve of Pete Hegseth to oversee the Pentagon, while 35 percent disapprove, and 33 percent say they don’t know enough to have an opinion.
