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Donald Trump’s pick to run the Pentagon told US senators on Tuesday that a “smear campaign” was trying to stop him from taking the job, as he tried to convince them to approve his appointment.
Pete HegsethA conservative former Fox News host, Trump has faced renewed allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct, excessive alcohol consumption and financial misconduct since nominating him as his defense secretary.
in him US Senate At Wednesday’s confirmation hearing, Hegseth mocked the “leftist media” and “anonymous sources” in what he said was an organized effort to prevent him from joining the next president’s administration.
“There was a concerted smear campaign in the media. . . A lot of it was about President Donald Trump having to endure the same thing,” Hegseth said.
The former soldier, who wore a blue suit emblazoned with an American flag pocket square, entered the room to standing ovations and chants of “USA, USA, USA” from the audience.
“You get ’em Petey,” someone yells from a row full of men in black “For Hegseth” caps as the nominee enters. Four people were removed from the hearing room during Hegseth’s opening statement, most of them shouting about the war in Gaza.
Hegseth’s grilling in Washington comes as the Senate begins a day of confirmation hearings on Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including controversial picks such as vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run the Health Department and Tulsi Gabbard as director of National Intelligence.
The Senate, which has a Republican majority, must approve Hegseth but the nominee must first win the approval of the chamber’s powerful Armed Services Committee, which has 13 Republican seats and 12 Democrats.
Washington is watching how Republican Senator Joni Ernst votes on the committee, as he raises concerns about Hegseth’s stance on the role of combat and sexual assault in the military.
On Tuesday, Ernst, a former soldier, told Hegseth that she wants to make sure every woman has the opportunity to serve their country “and can do so at any level.”
Hegseth told her that women would have “access to ground combat roles, if the standards are high” and committed to appointing a senior-level officer dedicated to preventing and responding to sexual harassment.
Hegseth served in the Army National Guard but was recently a host on Fox News, where he railed against the US military and the “awakening” of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Hegseth told the hearing that DEI policy in the military was to “divide the troops” and “force commanders to walk on eggshells”.
The conservative firebrand was grilled about writing that women are less effective than men in combat roles.
“When I talk about that issue, it’s not about the power of men and women. It’s about standards that have “eroded,” Hegseth said.
“I do not believe you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job,” Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, told Hegseth. “You lack the character and mentality to hold the position.”
Hegseth’s shock choice for the top Pentagon post initially alarmed some lawmakers in Congress, including Republicans, and prompted Trump to consider alternatives.
But the president-elect finally publicly endorsed him, and after a flurry of meetings with Senate Republicans, his nomination looks more promising.
“Pete Hegseth will be a great Secretary of Defense. He has my full and complete support. Good luck today, Pete! Trump posted on his Truth social platform ahead of confirmation hearings.
Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser appointee, introduced Hegseth at the hearing and urged senators to confirm him.
“Certainly, this nomination is out of date,” admitted Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker. But he called Hegseth an “excellent choice” and compared the nominee to Trump.
Top Senate Republicans have indicated they believe Hegseth has the votes to become defense secretary. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso told CBS News on Sunday that the process is “going in the right direction.”
