By Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Patricia Zengerle
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President-elect Donald Trump’s decide to steer the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, got here underneath hearth throughout his affirmation listening to on Tuesday as Democrats railed in opposition to him and voiced deep concern about his inexperience, alleged drunkenness and previous opposition to ladies in fight.
Hegseth, a former Fox Information host, is without doubt one of the most controversial figures ever nominated to be Secretary of Protection. The 44-year-old slammed variety, fairness and inclusion initiatives within the navy, and, in his newest e book, questioned whether or not the highest U.S. common has the job as a result of he is Black.
Previous to his nomination, Hegseth strongly opposed ladies in fight roles however walked again that stance throughout probably the most contentious affirmation listening to in reminiscence for a U.S. protection secretary.
“Mr. Hegseth, I don’t imagine that you’re certified to satisfy the overwhelming calls for of this job,” mentioned Senator Jack Reed, the rating member of the Senate Armed Companies Committee.
Reed criticized an FBI investigation into Hegseth’s previous, saying it did not sufficiently examine intensive allegations in opposition to him.
Various episodes have sparked concern amongst lawmakers, together with a 2017 sexual assault allegation in opposition to Hegseth that didn’t lead to prices and which he denies. He has additionally been accused of extreme consuming and monetary mismanagement at veterans’ organizations. Hegseth has vowed to abstain from alcohol if confirmed and mentioned he made some monetary errors however denies any wrongdoing.
Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand slammed Hegseth’s previous remarks about ladies within the U.S. navy, saying he must basically change how he sees ladies who represent 18% of the U.S. navy.
“We have now lots of — HUNDREDS — of girls who serve within the infantry, deadly members of our navy … However you degrade them,” Gillibrand mentioned, elevating her voice in a heated trade.
“Please clarify all these statements as a result of they’re brutal, they usually’re imply.”
Regardless of sturdy help from Trump’s Republicans, Hegseth’s affirmation might rely upon his efficiency earlier than the committee. As Hegseth walked into the packed listening to room, he was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation from supporters, with chants of “USA, USA, USA” and a shout of “Get ’em, Petey.”
Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican who leads the committee, endorsed Hegseth, saying: “Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional. The nominee is unconventional.”
“Concerning his private conduct, Mr. Hegseth has admitted to falling brief, as all of us do infrequently,” Wicker mentioned.
‘ACCOUNTABILITY IS COMING’
Hegseth’s opening remarks to the committee, praising Trump, had been repeatedly interrupted by protesters. He vowed to convey again a warrior tradition to the U.S. navy and mentioned “accountability is coming” for individuals who fall brief.
Reuters was first to report that Trump’s incoming administration is drawing up a listing of generals to fireplace.
“(Trump) believes, and I humbly agree, that it is time to give somebody with mud on his boots the helm. A change agent,” Hegseth mentioned.
When requested about his remarks opposing ladies in fight, Hegseth cited the necessity to get rid of quotas for frontline roles. Gillibrand fired again that no such quotas exist.
He later informed Republican Senator Joni Ernst, herself a veteran, that he would help ladies in fight roles “given the requirements stay excessive, and we may have a evaluate to make sure the requirements haven’t been eroded.”
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren mentioned she doubted Hegseth had tempered his opposition to ladies in fight, saying: “The tune you sang will not be the tune you are available in right here at present to sing.”
In a 2021 incident first reported by Reuters, Hegseth was branded an “insider risk” by a fellow member of the Military Nationwide Guard over his tattoos. Hegseth famous the incident in the course of the listening to, which led him to be pulled from Guard obligation in Washington throughout President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
In current weeks, Trump’s occasion has coalesced round his decide.
Nonetheless, the slim Republican Senate majority signifies that Hegseth can lose help from not more than three senators to be confirmed, if Democrats and independents unite in opposition to him.
Cupboard nominees virtually by no means lose Senate votes, as a result of they usually are withdrawn in the event that they appear to be in bother.
The final nominee who was defeated was former Senator John Tower, a nominee to be Secretary of Protection, in 1989. Tower was investigated over claims of drunkenness and inappropriate conduct with ladies.
If confirmed, Hegseth may make good on Trump’s guarantees to rid the navy of generals he accuses of pursuing progressive variety insurance policies.
Hegseth, who has little administration expertise, could be answerable for a corporation with a virtually $1 trillion price range, 1.3 million active-duty service members and practically 1 million civilian employees.
The subsequent secretary of protection will face a variety of main abroad points, together with lively conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the enlargement of China’s navy, points that acquired solely glancing consideration throughout a listening to centered much more on tradition battle points.
