Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., slammed Hegseth for her changing beliefs about women serving in combat roles.
“I have serious concerns that your attitude toward women disqualifies you from this role,” Warren said.
Warren noted that Hegseth said in a 2013 Fox News interview that women in the military cannot compete with men in the military, and that the military has set standards to allow women to serve in combat roles. He said it would lower the amount. He also noted that he made similar comments in 2015 and last year on a podcast with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro in which he said women should not serve in combat.
“I’m not familiar with the 2013 article you point to, but it perfectly emphasizes my point. Because in the 2013 discussion, I was talking about standards. Standards and is something that is always being targeted,” Hegseth said.
Warren responded: “Let’s be clear: For 12 years, you’ve been pretty open about your opinions, and they’ve always been the same: Women are inferior, soldiers. Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians are inferior. And in case anyone missed it.” The point is, this is what you said 10 weeks ago: “Women should never go into combat.” They should not be allowed to participate.’
Warren said that after the election, Hegseth made a major “change in her stance” that women should be in combat.
“So, Mr. Hegseth, what unusual event happened in those 32 days that caused you to change the core values you had expressed for the previous 12 years?” Warren said.
“The concern that I have, and that many in the ground combat forces in particular have, is that the standards will change to pursue a certain proportion or quota, and that it will make the fight more difficult for everyone involved. It’s about making it a reality,” Hegseth said.
Warren responded, “Let me suggest what happened in those 32 days. You were nominated by President Trump. I’ve heard about deathbed reversals, but no nomination reversals. It’s the first time I’ve heard of it.”
