During a Senate confirmation hearing, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Defense secretary faced intense questioning on Capitol Hill.
Pete Hegseth faced tough questions about his qualifications and his comments on women.
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Sen. Tammy Duckworth, representing Illinois, aggressively questioned Hegseth about his ability to lead the country’s military, making her interrogation a standout moment of the hearing.
Hegseth endured extensive scrutiny from the Senate Armed Services Committee, with Senator Duckworth’s pointed inquiries about his qualifications being particularly tense.
“Yes or no, did you lead an audit? Yes, or no? What are you afraid of, you can’t answer this question? Yes or no did you lead an audit?” Duckworth said.
The focus was, did Hegseth’s background of never leading an organization with more than about 100 people plus volunteers qualify him to lead a military of 3 million members?
“You’re not qualified, Mr. Hegseth. You’re not qualified,” Duckworth said.
Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran and former Fox News host, was also grilled by other Democrats about personal conduct issues, including allegations of drinking on the job and a 2017 sexual assault allegation that was not prosecuted.
“From the beginning, there was a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated by the media against us. That was clear from moment one,” Hegseth said.
One Republican called out Democrats as hypocrites.
“You guys make sure you make a big show and point out the hypocrisy because the man’s made a mistake, and you want to sit there and say he’s not qualified? Give me a joke,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma.
Hegseth was also repeatedly questioned about comment he made that women should not serve in combat roles.
“So, please explain these types of statements because they’re brutal and they’re mean, and they disrespect men and women who are willing to die for this country,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York.
Hegseth’s position softened after his nomination.
“And I would point out I’ve never disparaged women serving in the military,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth promised to reverse what he called woke standards pushed by the Biden Administration, and to reject diversity and equity requirements.
“The only thing that should matter is how capable are you at your job,” Hegseth said.
Duckworth, with copy of the Soldiers Creed behind her, fired back.
“You have not earned your place as Secretary of Defense. You say you care about keeping our Armed Forces strong and that you like that our Armed Forces is a meritocracy, then that’s not lower the standards for you. You, sir, are a no-go at this station,” Duckworth said.
Hegseth needs to be confirmed by the entire Senate at a later time. But with Republicans holding the majority, it would appear he is on his way to becoming Defense secretary.
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