PETE HEGSETH CONFIRMATION HEARING RECAP: WHAT VETS SHOULD KNOW

In the week leading up to President-elect Donald Trump’s second term inauguration, there are several Senate confirmation hearings to finalize his cabinet. Yet, no one is capturing the amount of attention or scrutiny of his pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. A noted Fox News personality, Hegseth has plenty of red flags surrounding past sexual assault allegations, potential financial mismanagement, questions about his leadership, and distrust surrounding his drinking habits. Here’s a breakdown of the Senate Armed Services Committee grilling a man who may be in one of the most powerful positions within the government soon.

Breaking Down the Pete Hegseth Confirmation Hearing
As expected, Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing involved a lot of hardline questioning by Democratic leaders, including the idea of invading Greenland and Panama, shooting protesters, ignoring the Geneva Conventions, and many other military-related topics.
The Defense Secretary nominee was asked about controversial reproductive healthcare policies for service members, policies that affect troops within the LGBTQ+ community, and military leadership.
Despite past issues, Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee didn’t seem as worried about the possible downsides involving Hegseth’s allegations.
"Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional. The nominee is unconventional. Just like that New York developer who rode down the escalator in 2015 to announce his candidacy for President. That may be what makes Mr. Hegseth an excellent choice to improve this unacceptable status quo," said Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
One notable Republican who questioned Hegseth, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat Veteran and sexual assault survivor, spoke to him during the hearing about potential audits involving women fighting in combat and what to do about military sexual assault.
"You and I have had many productive conversations. You know that I don't keep anything hidden, pull no punches. My colleagues know that as well. So, I do appreciate you sitting down and allowing me the opportunity to question you thoroughly," said Ernst, referring to a meeting that occurred leading up to the hearing.
Sexual Misconduct and Women
Senators criticized Hegseth for past comments against women in combat and his lack of leadership experience, including Sen. Jack Reed, who questioned his suitability for the role, citing concerns about his character and competence.
In his Senate confirmation hearing, Hegseth insisted he would support women in combat if standards remained high but suggested, without evidence, that standards have subtly been lowered to meet quotas.
Hegseth dismissed the misconduct allegations as part of a "coordinated smear campaign" by Trump opponents.
In a tense exchange, Sen. Tim Kaine highlighted Hegseth's acknowledgment of a consensual sexual encounter during his marriage, to which Hegseth responded by citing personal redemption through his Christian faith.
Military Personnel
Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing had plenty to discuss involving the military, which ranged from global policy to policies within the ranks.
Sen. Reed questioned Hegseth about an email threatening to purge "liberal" Officers, which Hegseth denied knowing about.
However, Hegseth did not dispute plans to review officers, answering in a way to frame such reviews as an effort to ensure accountability.
Hegseth stated that senior officers would be evaluated on merit, standards, and adherence to lawful orders.
He also pledged to reinstate service members dismissed due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate with back pay, a stance that differs from current policy, and an answer that came during an unrelated question focusing on diversity efforts within the military.
Concerns came when Hegseth appeared to sidestep further by refusing to avoid invading American allies, specifically, Greenland.
Furthermore, he also didn’t directly commit to following the Geneva Conventions during a line of questioning, drawing concerns from some leaders.

What Comes After the Pete Hegseth Confirmation Hearing?
As the most controversial pick of Trump’s Cabinet heads, the hearing on Pete Hegseth may not be the end of things.
Combined with an FBI background check, the hearing was an important step in making his nomination official but there still could be Republicans who don’t trust him and refuse to vote him in.
Even if no Democrats choose Hegseth, he can still become the U.S. Defense Secretary, however, he will need nearly every Republican’s support to get the job done.
Hegseth’s confirmation may come on January 20, 2025, the same day as Trump’s inauguration; however, it could come after and then require a full Senate vote for approval.
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