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Donald Trump's nominee to run the Pentagon told US Senators on Tuesday that a “smear campaign” was trying to prevent him from assuming the position, and he also tried to convince them to approve his appointment.
Pete HegsethA former conservative Fox News anchor has faced renewed accusations of sexual assault, misogyny, excessive alcohol consumption and financial misconduct since Trump nominated him to be his defense secretary.
In his country US Senate At his confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Hegseth mocked “left-wing media” and “anonymous sources” for what he said was an organized effort to prevent him from joining the next president's administration.
“There has been a massive, coordinated smear campaign in the media. . . “Most of it had to do with President Donald Trump who had to endure the same thing,” Hegseth said.
The former soldier, wearing a blue suit decorated with an American flag pocket square, entered the room to a standing ovation from onlookers and chants of “USA, USA.”
“Betty's got 'em,” someone shouted from rows filled with men wearing black “For Hegseth” hats as the candidate entered. Four people were escorted from the hearing room during Hegseth's opening statement, most of them shouting about the war in Gaza.
Hegseth's questioning in Washington comes as the Senate begins days of confirmation hearings for Trump's Cabinet nominees, including controversial picks such as vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run the Health Department and Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence.
The Senate, where Republicans hold a majority, must approve Hegseth, but the nominee must first obtain approval from the Senate's powerful Armed Services Committee, where Republicans hold 13 seats and Democrats 12.
Washington is watching to see how Republican Senator Joni Ernst will vote in the committee, given that she has expressed concerns about Hegseth's positions on women in combat roles and sexual assault in the military.
On Tuesday, Ernst, a former soldier, told Hegseth she wants to ensure every woman has the opportunity to serve her country “and to do so at any level.”
Hegseth told her that women “will have access to ground combat roles, given that standards remain high,” and committed to appointing a senior official dedicated to preventing and responding to sexual assaults.
Hegseth served in the US Army National Guard, but was most recently a host on Fox News, where he criticized the US military's “vigilance” and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Hegseth said at the hearing that the Army's DEI policies were “dividing the forces” and forcing “commanders to walk on eggshells.”
Conservatives were outraged by their writing that women were less effective than men in combat roles.
“When I talk about this issue, it's not about the capabilities of men and women. It's about standards” that have “eroded,” Hegseth said.
“I don't think you're qualified to meet the enormous demands of this job,” Senator Jack Reed, the committee's top Democrat, told Hegseth. “You lack the character and composure for this position.”
Hegseth's shock selection for the Pentagon post initially alarmed some lawmakers in Congress, including Republicans, and prompted Trump to consider alternatives.
But the president-elect eventually publicly backed him, and after a series of meetings with Senate Republicans, his nomination looks more promising.
“Pete Hegseth will be a great Secretary of Defense. He has my full and complete support. Good luck today, Pete!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform ahead of his confirmation hearing.
Mike Waltz, Trump's national security adviser, introduced Hegseth at the hearing and urged senators to confirm him.
“Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional,” admitted Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. But he called Hegseth an “excellent choice” and likened the candidate to Trump.
Senior Senate Republicans have indicated that they believe Hegseth has the votes to become Secretary of Defense. Senate Majority Leader John Barrasso told CBS News on Sunday that the process is “moving in the right direction.”
