Republicans expressed optimism about Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, despite controversy surrounding his past statements and allegations. Democrats raised concerns about his past remarks about women in combat and personal indiscretions, while Republicans defended him and highlighted his combat experience.
Trump 's pick to lead the Defense Department received a friendly response from Republicans as Democrats questioned his past remarks and character.
Ernst, who faces re-election in 2026, has come under heavy pressure from Trump allies to get behind Hegseth after her initial skepticisms of his nomination came to light. Lately, she hasn’t shown much of an appetite lately to buck the president-elect.Perhaps the most aggressive line of questioning came from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who raised Hegseth’s personal indiscretions to question his character and his commitment to his word.
“You’ve taken an oath, like you would take an oath to be secretary of defense and all of your weddings to be faithful to your wife,” Kaine told him. “We’ve all made mistakes. I’ve made mistakes,” Mullin said. “Jennifer, thank you for loving him through that mistake,” he said, referring to Hegseth’s wife, “because the only reason why I’m here and not in prison is because my wife loved me, too.”Throughout the hearing, Hegseth repeatedly lavished praise on Trump and criticized President Joe Biden’s administration, channeling the language of the MAGA movement.
“We have hundreds, hundreds of women who are currently in the infantry, lethal members of our military serving in the infantry,” she said. “But you degrade them. You say we need moms, but not in the military, especially in combat units.”
TRUMP DEFENSE NOMINATION HEGSETH REPUBLICANS DEMOCRATS MILITARY WOMEN IN COMBAT CHARACTER
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Picks Billionaire Defense Investor Feinberg for Deputy Defense SecretaryDonald Trump has nominated Stephen Feinberg, a billionaire with ties to the defense contracting industry, as his deputy defense secretary. This comes amid uncertainty surrounding Trump's initial pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth.
Read more »
Trump's Defense Pick Justified Capitol Attack, Spread Conspiracy TheoriesPete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, defended the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack and promoted baseless conspiracy theories suggesting it was a false flag operation orchestrated by leftist groups disguised as Trump supporters. Hegseth also amplified false claims about a stolen 2020 election in the lead-up to the riot.
Read more »
Trump's Defense Secretary Pick's Escort Has Past Misconduct AllegationsThe Morning Joe panel discusses the past of John Jacob Hasenbein, who is escorting President-elect Trump's pick for defense secretary Pete Hegseth. Hasenbein is a former Army Special Forces master sergeant who left the military after a 2019 training event where he allegedly beat a civilian role player.
Read more »
Retired Generals Back Trump's Controversial Defense PickOver 120 retired U.S. military leaders endorse Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, despite criticism over his stance on 'Diversity, Equity and Inclusion' in the armed forces.
Read more »
Sen. Warren Presses Trump's Defense Pick on Past StatementsSen. Elizabeth Warren is demanding further answers from Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, regarding past actions and statements before his confirmation hearing. Warren seeks clarification on allegations of sexual assault and mismanagement of veterans organization finances, claims Hegseth denies. She also wants to address his comments regarding minorities, women, and LGBTQ individuals in the military. Hegseth enjoys support from certain veterans groups who believe the military prioritizes diversity over readiness. A rally in his favor is planned in Washington next week.
Read more »
Senator Warns Trump's Defense Pick Hegseth May Be Unfit for RoleSenator Elizabeth Warren raises significant concerns about Pete Hegseth's record and suitability for the Defense Secretary position in a detailed letter.
Read more »