Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, faced intense questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing. He defended his record while vowing to foster a 'warrior culture' at the Pentagon.
President-elect Donald Trump 's nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth , faced a heated Senat e confirmation hearing on Tuesday, vowing to foster a 'warrior culture' at the Pentagon while confronting allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking, and derisive views of women in combat. Hegseth repeatedly deflected the various misconduct allegations, focusing instead on his own combat experience in the Army National Guard.
Senators spent hours probing the concerns surrounding Hegseth, with the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee acknowledging the 'unconventional' choice. Senator Roger Wicker compared Hegseth to Trump himself, saying he will 'bring energy and fresh ideas to shake up the bureaucracy.' However, the top Democrat, Senator Jack Reed, called the allegations 'extremely alarming' and said he believes Hegseth is unqualified for the job.Hegseth, 44, comes from a new generation of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and his military experience is widely viewed as an asset. But he also brings a record of past actions and statements, including ones about women, minorities, and 'woke' generals, raising questions about his ability to manage an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, 780,000 civilians, and an $850 billion budget. Hegseth acknowledged 'I am not a perfect person' when pressed about marital infidelity but dismissed allegations of sexual assault as a 'smear campaign.' He has vowed not to drink alcohol if confirmed.The more than four-hour hearing launched a weeklong marathon as the Republican-led Senate is rushing to confirm some of Trump's nominees by Inauguration Day, January 20th. With a narrow GOP majority, almost all Republicans must support Trump's pick if Democrats oppose. Hegseth faces perhaps the most difficult path to confirmation, but GOP allies are determined to turn him into a cause célèbre for Trump's governing approach amid the nation's culture wars. Outside groups, including those aligned with the Heritage Foundation, are running costly campaigns to prop up Hegseth's bid. The hearing also witnessed a tense exchange with female Democratic senators who grilled Hegseth over his past comments that women should 'straight up' not be in combat roles. Senator Kristen Gillibrand told Hegseth: 'You will have to change how you see women to do this job.' Senator Tammy Duckworth, who lost both legs in a helicopter crash, displayed the Soldier's Creed and told Hegseth the troops 'cannot be led by someone who is not competent.
MILITARY POLITICS Confirmation DEFENSE DONALD TRUMP SENAT PETE HEGSETH
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