Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, faced a heated Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday. Protesters disrupted the proceedings several times, and Democrats challenged the former Fox News host’s fitness for the role.
After meeting with senators privately in recent weeks, Hegseth was finally ready to make his case for the top Pentagon job under the bright lights of TV and the watchful eyes of members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Hegseth addressed his qualifications, vision for the Department of Defense — and several controversies surrounding his nomination that arose during the vetting process.
Hegseth, 44, served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as a National Guard member and holds degrees from both Princeton and Harvard. He has most recently worked as a Fox News weekend host and personality.
He immediately found himself on the defensive in an exchange with Sen. Masie Hirono, an Alaska Democrat.
“Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors” or “committed any verbal or physical assault of a sexual nature,” Hirono asked during her allotted time.
“Senator, I was falsely accused in October of 2017; it was fully investigated; and I was completely cleared,” Hegseth responded, according to the New York Post.
Hegseth also pushed back on claims he was regularly “drunk” while working at Fox, insisting the rumors were due to “multiple false, anonymous reports.”
Several female senators from both sides of the political aisle questioned Hegseth’s plans for women in the military under his leadership.
“Let’s make it very clear for everyone here today, as Secretary of Defense, will you support women continuing to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles?” asked Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), according to Fox News.
“My answer is yes, exactly the way that you caveated it. Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, combat roles given the standards remain high, and we’ll have a review to ensure the standards have not been eroded,” Hegseth replied.
Republican senators largely rallied around Hegseth, with Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker praising his unconventional approach and military background. President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance also voiced their support, emphasizing Hegseth’s leadership and combat experience.
Oklahoma Republican Markwayne Mullin deliberately pointed out to senators that Hegseth more than meets the legal qualifications for the job.
“In general the U.S. Secretary of Defense position is filled by a civilian. And that’s it,” Mullin told his colleagues.
For his part, Hegseth reiterated his intent to prioritize a “warrior culture” focused on combat readiness.
Despite broad Republican support, Hegseth still faces an uncertain path to confirmation. Democrats are almost universally opposed to his selection, and a handful of GOP defections could scuttle his candidacy.
Hegseth’s confirmation battle reflects broader tensions in Washington over military leadership and cultural policies within the armed forces. As the Senate continues its deliberations, his potential appointment could signal a shift in the Pentagon’s priorities under the Trump administration.