Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for US Secretary of Defense, defended his record in a contentious Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Hegseth acknowledged he was “not a perfect person” as Democratic lawmakers grilled him on allegations of sexual assault, excessive alcohol use, and financial mismanagement.
Despite the criticism, Hegseth’s nomination received a boost when Joni Ernst, a Republican and the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate, pledged her support. Ernst, who had previously expressed skepticism of Hegseth’s selection, said she would support Trump’s pick after hearing from Iowans and doing her job as a United States Senator.
During the hearing, Hegseth pushed back against the criticism, dismissing the allegations as a “coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media.” He also pitched himself as a “change agent” who would lead the Pentagon into a new era.
Democratic members of the committee, however, hammered Hegseth on the numerous accusations against him, including a claim of sexual assault. They also questioned his views on women in the military and his previous comments suggesting that women should not serve in combat roles.
Despite the concerns, Republicans on the committee rushed to Hegseth’s defense, lobbing softball questions and echoing his concerns about anonymous sources attacking his character. The FBI conducted a background check on Hegseth, but Democratic lawmakers expressed disappointment with the report, saying it was “insufficient” and failed to speak to crucial witnesses.
The hearing highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding Hegseth’s nomination, with protesters repeatedly interrupting his opening statement and Democratic lawmakers expressing serious concerns about his leadership. Despite the controversies, Trump’s Republican allies in the Senate have voiced confidence about Hegseth’s chances of confirmation, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune reportedly telling Trump that Hegseth will have the votes to be confirmed.