Belligerent Tammy Duckworth says Hegseth is ‘unqualified’Published January 14th at 18:15 GMT
Nomia Iqbal
North American correspondent reporting from Capitol Hill
Video: Sen. Duckworth says Hegseth is ‘unqualified’ for intense questioning
If Hegseth takes the job, he will face a series of global challenges from countries such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, not to mention the ongoing conflicts in which the United States is embroiled. .
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who lost both legs while serving in the military, has a combative tone. She had made it clear in advance that Hegseth should not be in charge of one of the world’s most important institutions.
She told him now: “Our adversaries are watching the transition closely and will put America at risk if they feel that the Department of Defense, which is supposed to keep us safe, is being steered by someone who is completely unprepared for the mission.” I don’t want to do that because it would expose me to that. ”
She also points out the hypocrisy of Hegseth in demanding standards regarding women in combat roles.
“There are men who can’t meet the standards and are asking for special benefits to do work for which they are not qualified,” she says.
To emphasize this point, Mr Hegseth is unable to answer Senator Duckworth’s question about the number of countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Mr. Hegseth replied, “We have allies in South Korea, Japan, and Australia.”
“None of those countries are in ASEAN,” Duckworth said.
