Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth faced hours of questioning from Republican and Democrat Senators in the Senate’s Armed Services Committee.
“USA, USA, USA,” chanted Hegseth’s supporters as he entered the confirmation hearing.
Hegseth has recently enjoyed a groundswell of conservative support following increasing criticism of his nomination by Democrats and some conservatives.
However, Hegseth had been facing pressure to rescind his nomination after reports emerged suggesting sexual misconduct and mistreatment of women from Hegseth.
Despite rumors President-elect Donald Trump would replace Hegseth prior to the latter’s attempt at confirmation, the former embraced Hegseth’s nomination.
“Pete Hegseth will make a GREAT Secretary of Defense,” said President Trump hours before Hegseth’s hearing. “He has my Complete and Total support.”
Democrat Senators cross-examined Hegseth on the controversial allegations, with some claiming he was unfit to lead the US’ Department of Defense.
Hegseth has denied accusations against him and has amassed conservatives’ support, gaining endorsements from lawmakers like Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Rick Scott (R-FL).
The hearing also featured questioning on Hegseth’s stance regarding women in the military.
Hegseth claimed conversations with servicemembers and military experience revealed to him standards have been lowered in some combat units to incite increased female participation.
“I respect every single female servicemember who has put on the uniform past and present,” rebutted Hegseth. “My critiques…have been instances where I have seen standards lowered.”
“Our standards will be high and equal, not equitable,” continued Hegseth.
Hegseth also assured Senators he would seek to optimize America’s military’s effectiveness while remaining “patriotically apolitical and stridently constitutional.”
On this score, Hegseth criticized President Joe Biden for infusing partisan politics into the military.
Hegseth, whom the Senate could vote on as early as next week, concluded by promising he would seek to expand US military investments.
