Senate Armed Services Democrats argue allegations against Hegseth should disqualify him from leading Pentagon
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Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth visits Senators on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 5, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
A group of Senate Armed Services Committee Democrats has raised concerns over Pete Hegseth’s suitability for the role of Secretary of Defense, citing several allegations and controversial views. Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News anchor, was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump last month to lead the Pentagon. In a letter sent Tuesday, the Democrats, led by Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, questioned whether Hegseth’s past behavior, including allegations of sexual assault and harassment, disqualify him from the role.
The letter to Trump’s incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, expressed deep concerns about Hegseth’s views on women, particularly his previous comments about women in combat and the allegations against him. The group of senators included Richard Blumenthal, Tammy Duckworth, Kirsten Gillibrand, Mazie Hirono, Tim Kaine, and Jacky Rosen, all of whom underscored the importance of having a defense secretary who promotes inclusivity and respect within the military.
One of the primary issues raised by the senators is the 2017 allegation of sexual assault against Hegseth. Although he has denied the accusation, and no charges were filed, the allegations have resurfaced during his confirmation process. Additionally, the letter emphasized Hegseth’s past comments that women should not serve in combat roles. This statement has drawn criticism, especially from female lawmakers, many of whom have served in the military.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a double amputee and Iraq war veteran, was particularly vocal about these remarks. Duckworth, who lost her legs and partial use of her arm after a rocket-propelled grenade hit the helicopter she was flying in Iraq, condemned Hegseth’s views, arguing that his comments ignore the significant contributions that women have made in combat roles. Duckworth and others warned that dismissing women as capable warfighters could undermine military recruitment efforts, particularly at a time when the Department of Defense is struggling to meet enlistment goals.
The letter from the Democratic senators also pointed to Hegseth’s history of making controversial statements on various national security issues. One of his more contentious remarks was made in a podcast last month, where he stated, “we should not have women in combat roles.” While Hegseth later clarified these remarks in a CNN interview, expressing his support for women serving in the military, he said women should only serve in combat roles if they meet the same standards as men. This clarification, however, did little to quell the concerns of Senate Democrats.
Despite these concerns, the push from Senate Democrats is unlikely to stop Hegseth’s confirmation. With Republicans holding a 53-seat majority in the Senate, Hegseth will only need a simple majority to secure confirmation. Trump has also strongly backed his nominee, signaling that the president will not back down in the face of Democratic opposition.
The Democrats’ move is part of a broader strategy to hold Trump’s nominees accountable, especially when they face ethical questions or have made controversial statements. While Senate Democrats have previously staged dramatic protests and showdowns to block Trump’s nominations, they are now shifting their approach in his second term. Rather than staging endless battles over every pick, Democrats are focusing on instances where they can work with a nominee or highlight areas where Republicans will need to defend their choices.
In their letter, the senators requested that the Trump transition team respond to several questions about Hegseth by December 30, seeking further clarification on his views and past behavior. While these actions reflect the Democrats’ cautious approach, they signal that the Senate Armed Services Committee will not overlook potential concerns when evaluating candidates for key positions, particularly when ethics and inclusivity are at stake.
Ultimately, the confirmation process for Pete Hegseth will hinge on whether Senate Republicans are willing to back a nominee facing these allegations and criticisms. Given the GOP’s majority in the Senate, Hegseth’s confirmation remains likely, but the debate over his qualifications and views on women in the military will continue to shape the conversation around his nomination.
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