Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer Meets with Democrats Ahead of Defense Nominee Confirmation Hearing
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is meeting with Senate Armed Services Committee Democrats on Monday evening to discuss the confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth. The meeting is just hours before the hearing, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
Schumer has been vocal about his opposition to Hegseth, citing concerns about the nominee’s radical views, alleged excessive drinking, and financial mismanagement. Hegseth has denied all allegations, including those suggesting sexual assault and financial mismanagement.
The meeting is seen as an effort by Schumer to rally Democratic support against Hegseth’s nomination. Other Democrats on the committee, including Ranking Member Jack Reed, have also expressed concerns about Hegseth’s lack of qualifications for the position.
The confirmation hearing is the first to take place for President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees, and Democrats are expected to grill Hegseth on his views on various issues. Schumer has urged his fellow Democrats to force Hegseth to go on record about Trump’s agenda items.
The meeting between Schumer and the Democrats comes ahead of the confirmation hearing, which is expected to be a high-stakes battle between the Democratic minority and the Republican majority in the Senate.