WASHINGTON: United States President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pat Hegseth, was widely criticized among Republicans at Tuesday’s confirmation hearing for his inexperience, alleged drinking and his past opposition to women in combat. But survived a tough Democratic grill to emerge.
Hegseth, an ex Fox News The host, a decorated veteran, is one of the most controversial nominees ever to lead the Pentagon, and any vote to confirm him is expected to be close.
But he escaped unscathed in a four-hour hearing that has divided Republicans and even won critical support from Republican Senator Joni Ernst, who wields influence in his own party. .
Several other committee Republicans, to laughs from a friendly audience filled with supporters wearing Hegsoth hats, praised the 44-year-old, who has criticized diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives in the military, and, in his latest book , questioned whether the top American general had the job because he was black.
Asked if he would fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. C.Q. Brown, if he took the reins of the military, one possibility was first mentioned. ReutersHegseth refused to rule it out, saying he would conduct an extensive review.
“Each senior officer will be evaluated based on meritocracy, standards, lethality and commitment to the legal orders they are given,” said Hegseth, who has strongly opposed women in combat roles but took that stance during the hearing. retreated from
“I don’t believe you [Hegseth] are well-qualified to meet the tremendous demands of this job,” said Senator Jack Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
A number of episodes have raised concerns, including a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth that was not proven and which he denies.
Accused of heavy drinking and financial mismanagement by veterans’ organizations, Hegseth, when confirmed, pledged to abstain from alcohol and said he had made financial mistakes but denied wrongdoing.
Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand criticized Hegseth’s past comments about women, saying he would have to fundamentally change how he views women, who make up 18 percent of the U.S. military.
“We have hundreds—hundreds—of women serving in the infantry, the most lethal members of our military. [….] But you let them down,” Gillibrand said in the heated exchange.
“Please explain these kinds of statements because they are cruel, and they are rude,” the senator added.
Despite strong support from Trump’s Republicans, Hegseth will likely be confirmed by a narrow margin, compared to a 93-2 vote for Lloyd Austin, President Joe Biden’s defense secretary, and Trump’s first nominee for the post, Jim The vote was 98-1 for the Mets.
After the hearing, Ernst, who pundits had speculated might vote against Hegseth and perhaps convince others to do the same, said he supported Hegseth.
“Our next commander in chief has been chosen. [Pete] “Hagseth to serve in this role, and after our conversations, hearing from Evans, and my work as a U.S. senator, I chose President Trump to be Secretary of Defense,” Ernst said in a statement. I will support.
As Hegseth walked into the packed hearing room, he was greeted with chants of “USA, USA, USA” and chants of “Get ’em, Patty.”
Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican who leads the committee, endorsed Hegseth, calling him “unorthodox” and adding: “In terms of his personal conduct, Hegseth has admitted to falling short, as we Everyone does from time to time.”
Republican senators including Marquin Mullen and Tim Sheehy strongly supported Hegseth. Mullen dismisses concerns about him as political theater, particularly his personal life.
“It’s all for show,” Mullen said.
Accountability
Hegseth’s opening remarks, praising Trump, were repeatedly interrupted by protesters. He vowed to restore a “fighting culture” in the U.S. military and said those who lapse are being held accountable.
“From the highest to the most senior general to the lowest private, [we] will ensure that they are treated fairly,” Hegseth said.
When asked about the remarks opposing women in combat, Hegseth cited the need to end quotas for front-line roles. Gillibrand responded that no such quota exists.
During the hearing she told Ernst, herself a veteran, that she would support women in combat “as long as the standards remain high, and we will review to make sure the standards are not eroded.” has been done”.
Democratic Senator Tommy Duckworth, a veteran who lost both legs while fighting in Iraq, criticized Higseth’s lack of knowledge of foreign policy and lack of administrative experience.
“You say you are concerned about keeping our armed forces strong. […] Then let’s not lower your standards. You, sir, are not meant to go to this station,” said Duckworth.
First reported in a 2021 incident. ReutersHegseth was labeled an “insider threat” by a fellow member of the Army National Guard over his tattoo. Hegseth noted the incident during the hearing, which led to his removal from guard duty in Washington during Biden’s inauguration.
In recent weeks, Trump’s party has coalesced around his choice.
Still, the slim Republican Senate majority means Hegseth could lose the support of more than three senators if Democrats and independents unite against him.
Cabinet nominees almost never lose Senate votes. The last nominee to be defeated was former Senator John Tower, the 1989 nominee for Secretary of Defense.
If confirmed, Hegseth could fulfill Trump’s promises to pursue progressive diversity policies.
The next defense secretary faces huge challenges, including the active conflict in Ukraine and China’s military expansion, which received only a glimmer of attention during hearings focused more on culture war issues.
The committee is expected to vote on Hegseth’s nomination on Monday, the day of Trump’s inauguration, paving the way for consideration by the full Senate.