Pete Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and former Fox News host, was heavily criticized by Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee, but Republicans largely supported him. File | Photo Credit: AP
Controversial Pentagon nominee Pete Hegseth faced grilling from senators on Tuesday about his views on female combatants and his qualifications to lead the Pentagon as confirmation hearings for Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks begin. faced.
Senate Republicans want President Trump’s national security nominee to be confirmed quickly, and Democrats may also agree to early confirmation of some nominees, but not those they deem unqualified. He is determined to throw obstacles in front of him.
Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and former Fox News host, was roundly criticized by Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee, but Republicans generally supported him.
He remains a vocal opponent of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, saying they “divide forces within formations, force commanders to walk on eggshells, and promote meritocracy.” It’s not a top priority,” he said.
But he sought to soften his past comments about female combatants, saying in November 2024 he would oppose them.
“I respect all military women in the uniform, past and present. My criticism is…recently, in the past, and from personal experience, I have seen standards lowered. This is an example of what happened,” Hegseth said. Members of Parliament.
“Given that standards are still high, women will be able to serve in ground combat roles,” said the 44-year-old.
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who lost both legs when her Black Hawk helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Iraq, is not convinced.
“The U.S. military as we know it would not exist without the amazing women we serve and those who have earned their place in the ranks,” Duckworth said. “You have not earned the position of Secretary of Defense.”
Hegseth has also come under fire for past personal conduct and concerns about his ability to lead the Pentagon, a vast bureaucracy that employs more than 3 million people.
He acknowledged under questioning that he had never overseen “anything even close to the scale of the Pentagon.”
“I’m not a perfect person”
Sen. Jack Reed, the committee’s ranking Democrat, said bluntly: “Mr. Hegseth, I don’t think you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job.”
“We must acknowledge the worrying public reports against you. A variety of sources, including your own writings, have shown that you have been accused of disregard for the laws of war, financial mismanagement, “It suggests racist and sexist comments about men and women, alcohol abuse, sexual behavior, assault, sexual harassment and other troubling issues,” Reed said.
Asked about the allegations against Hegseth by the committee’s chairman, Republican Sen. Roger Wicker, the candidate claimed there had been a “coordinated smear campaign” against him.
“I’m not a perfect person, but salvation is real,” said Hegseth, who later claimed she had been “unjustly accused” of sexual assault and dismissed testimony of alcohol abuse as “anonymous slander.” .
If all Democrats and independents vote against him, he would be approved with just three Republican vetoes.
But despite mounting scathing headlines, he remains supportive of Trump, and Senate Republicans appear ready to listen to Trump.
Former Democratic congresswoman turned Trumpist Tulsi Gabbard, nominated for director of national intelligence, is another candidate whose lack of qualifications and experience, as well as her attitude toward America’s adversaries, are raising alarms. be.
There will likely be some pressure from both sides on the candidates, especially President Trump’s Health and Human Services secretary nominee, anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
However, President Trump’s pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, a Florida senator and foreign policy hawk, is certain to have bipartisan support, and by the time Trump takes office on January 20th, likely to be approved.
Rubio will have a hearing Wednesday along with Homeland Security Secretary nominee Kristi Noem, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who was previously confirmed by the Senate to be Director of National Intelligence.
Some of the most intense hearings have yet to be scheduled, including those for Kennedy and Trump’s nominee for FBI director, conspiracy theorist Kash Patel.
issued – January 15, 2025 1:51 AM IST
