President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, faced intense questioning from Democrats during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, but emerged largely unscathed among Republicans. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and decorated veteran, is one of the most controversial figures ever nominated to be Secretary of Defense.
Hegseth was grilled by Democrats over his inexperience, alleged drinking and past opposition to women in combat, but weathered the four-hour hearing without making any major gaffe that might have alienated Republicans. Several committee Republicans praised Hegseth, including Senator Joni Ernst, who holds sway in her party.
Hegseth was asked if he would fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General C.Q. Brown, if he takes over the military, and declined to rule it out, saying he would be carrying out a broad review. He also walked back his past opposition to women in combat, saying he would support women in combat “given the standards remain high, and we will have a review to ensure the standards have not been eroded.”
Despite strong support from Trump’s Republicans, Hegseth’s confirmation is expected to be by a narrow margin. The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to vote on his nomination as soon as Monday, paving the way for his consideration by the full Senate.
Hegseth’s confirmation will likely be a test of the Republican Party’s commitment to Trump’s agenda, and could have significant implications for the military and national security. If confirmed, Hegseth could make good on Trump’s promises to rid the military of generals he accuses of pursuing progressive diversity policies.