Pete Hegseth Faces Intense Scrutiny but Stays on Track for Confirmation as Defense Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, faced a heated confirmation hearing on Tuesday, with Democratic senators challenging him on his experience, past controversies, and stance on diversity in the military. Despite the intense questioning, Hegseth emerged largely unscathed among Republican senators, positioning himself closer to confirmation.
A Divisive Nominee Under the Spotlight
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and decorated veteran, is one of the most controversial figures ever nominated for the position. Critics have raised concerns over his lack of high-level military leadership experience, past remarks against women in combat roles, and allegations of misconduct, including accusations of excessive drinking and financial mismanagement.
During the four-hour hearing, Democrats pressed him on these issues, with Senator Jack Reed bluntly stating, “Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job.” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also confronted him over his past comments about women in the military, demanding that he explain his remarks.
In response, Hegseth softened his previous stance on women in combat, saying, “Given that standards remain high, I will support women serving in these roles.”
Strong Republican Support Keeps His Nomination Alive
Despite the tough grilling, Hegseth secured key Republican backing, notably from Senator Joni Ernst, who was seen as a potential swing vote. In a statement after the hearing, Ernst confirmed her support, stating, “After conversations with Iowans and doing my job as a U.S. Senator, I will support President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense.”
Other Republican senators rallied behind him, dismissing Democratic concerns as political theater. Senator Markwayne Mullin criticized the hearing as mere spectacle, saying, “It’s all for show.” Meanwhile, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker described Hegseth as “unconventional” but emphasized that he had acknowledged past personal shortcomings.
Hegseth also faced questions about his stance on military leadership diversity. He had previously questioned whether General C.Q. Brown, the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held his position due to race. When asked whether he would remove General Brown if confirmed, Hegseth did not rule it out, stating that all senior officers would be reviewed based on “meritocracy, standards, lethality, and commitment to lawful orders.”
A Narrow Path to Confirmation
Hegseth’s confirmation vote is expected to be one of the closest in modern history. Unlike his predecessors, Lloyd Austin (who was confirmed 93-2) and Jim Mattis (confirmed 98-1), Hegseth may only secure a narrow Republican majority. Given the slim GOP lead in the Senate, he can only afford to lose a maximum of three Republican votes.
If confirmed, Hegseth is expected to pursue Trump’s agenda of eliminating progressive diversity policies within the military. He has vowed to restore a “warrior culture” and hold both enlisted soldiers and top generals accountable.
However, his critics argue that his limited experience in military leadership and past controversial remarks make him unfit for the role, especially as the U.S. faces major global security challenges, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the growing military presence of China.
The Senate Armed Services Committee is set to vote on Hegseth’s nomination as early as Monday, the day of Trump’s inauguration. If approved, his confirmation will move to the full Senate for a final vote.
