Pete Hegseth took a more conciliatory tone during his confirmation hearing for Pentagon chief on Tuesday, reversing many of his previous positions.
President-elect Donald Trump’s Pentagon pick insists he believes gays should be able to serve in the military and women should be able to serve in combat, a shift from previous statements.
“Politics has nothing to do with the battlefield, and that’s what President Trump has asked me to say,” Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “This is about combat prowess, setting the bar high and ensuring our boys have everything they need to succeed on the battlefield.”
Mr. Hegseth also completely denied the sexual assault allegations that have plagued his confirmation process.
“Sadly, today’s leftist media in America is indifferent to the truth. All they wanted to do was destroy me, because I am a change agent and I am a threat to them. Attack No matter what happens, I will remain committed to the truth and to the fighters.”
The nominee remained calm under questioning, but used his experience to dismiss the idea that anyone is unwelcome in the military. Hegseth said he volunteered to serve in the National Guard in Afghanistan under President Barack Obama and in preparation for President Joe Biden’s inauguration. He said he was rejected because his unit branded him an extremist over a controversial tattoo that described him as “Christian.”
But Senate Democrats have repeatedly raised concerns about Hegseth’s qualifications, citing allegations of fraud, financial mismanagement and views on diversity.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D.N.H.) criticized Ms. Hegseth for publishing books that questioned the role of women in the military, sometimes citing her own book, “War with the Warrior.” I pursued it persistently.
“If you were Secretary of Defense, why should women in the military believe they have a fair chance and an equal opportunity to advance?” Shaheen asked.
Hegseth responded that his comments were “not about the capabilities of men and women.” It’s about standards,” he argued, with standards eroding in certain jobs and assignments.
“Well, I appreciate the 11th hour conversion,” Shaheen retorted.
The committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed (DR.I.), was one of the most direct senators. “I don’t believe you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job,” he said.
As long as Republicans remain united, it is possible to confirm Hegseth despite Democratic attacks. And Tuesday’s hearing showed he is likely to get the votes he needs.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a military veteran and sexual assault survivor, is considered a pivotal vote in Hegseth’s nomination. Mr. Ernst did not say how he would vote during the hearing, but said he had spoken “frankly” with Mr. Hegseth.
Mr. Ernst received a commitment from Mr. Hegseth to appoint a senior official dedicated to preventing and responding to sexual assault. She also questioned whether women could continue to serve in combat roles. Mr Hegseth said he would lead a gender-neutral review “to ensure standards are not eroded”.
“Given that the standards are still high, women will have access to ground combat roles, combat roles,” Hegseth told Ernst.
Republicans introduced Trump’s nomination by the president’s incoming national security adviser, Rep. Mike Walz (R-Fla.), and former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, who supported Hegseth during the confirmation process. defended.
Service Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) called Hegseth an “excellent choice” to bring much-needed changes to the Pentagon’s vast bureaucracy. Mr. Wicker interrupted the hearing by submitting a letter from Mr. Hegseth’s supporters into the committee record.
“Certainly, this nomination is unconventional,” Wicker said. “He’s an unconventional guy, not unlike the New York developer who came down the escalator to announce his candidacy for president in 2015.”
Wicker acknowledged the allegations of misconduct against Hegseth, but said most of them came from “anonymous sources.” He contrasted them with allies who have publicly supported his bid for office.
Hegseth reiterated past statements that religion and family helped him change, telling senators, “I’m not a perfect person, but salvation is real.”
The purpose of the hearing was made clear early on. Hegseth’s opening statement was interrupted several times by protesters who were removed from the committee room by Capitol Police.
Hegseth claimed Trump chose him because of his unconventional background and said the president-elect wants to be a “change agent” at the Pentagon.
“It’s true that I don’t have the same background as the secretaries of defense of the last 30 years, but as President Trump also told me, we have repeatedly selected people who probably have the ‘right qualifications’ for the Department of Defense.” retired generals, academics, defense contractor executives — and where has that led us?” Hegseth told senators.
“He believes, and I humbly agree, that it is time to hand over the helm to someone with dusty shoes on his back.”
