Pete Hegseth faces grilling from Democrats at confirmation hearing as GOP senators voice support
What to know about Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing
- Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Defense Department, faced senators at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, where he fielded tough questions from Democrats over his views on women in the military and an allegation of sexual assault.
- Republican senators defended his nomination, arguing his status as an outsider and combat veteran make him well-suited to take the reins of the Pentagon and its workforce of 3 million people. The GOP majority in the Senate could vote to confirm Hegseth soon after Trump takes office next week.
- In 2017, a woman told police that Hegseth sexually assaulted her. Hegseth said the encounter was consensual and he was never charged. Under questioning Tuesday, Hegseth said that allegation was part of a "coordinated smear campaign" in the media to tank his nomination.
- Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, noted that Hegseth was married at the time and had recently had a child with another woman: "You've admitted it was consensual, and you were still married, and you had just had a child by another woman. How do you explain your judgment?" Hegseth maintained that the encounter was "fully investigated" and he was "completely cleared."
- Other Democrats grilled Hegseth about his past comments that women should not serve in combat roles in the military. "You cannot denigrate women in general, and your statements do that," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said.
- Hegseth won over a key Republican, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, who on Tuesday night praised Hegseth and told NewsRadio 1040 WHO, "I will be supporting President Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth."
- Here are some of the key moments from the hearing:
Supporters, opponents gather in hearing room
People have begun streaming into the hearing room on Capitol Hill, where members of the public waited in a lengthy line to gain a spot. Some of the visitors have donned "Veterans for Pete" shirts, while others are wearing shirts that say "reject Hegseth."
Megyn Kelly, a former Fox News host who had Hegseth on her SiriusXM podcast last month, is also in attendance, along with some House Republicans like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida.
Hegseth enters hearing room to cheers from supporters
Hegseth arrived at the committee hearing, greeted by a standing ovation from many in the assembled audience and chants of "USA" as he made his way to his seat.
"Go get 'em," one man shouted.
GOP Chairman Roger Wicker calls Hegseth "an excellent choice" to lead Pentagon
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, kicked off the meeting, taking a moment to recognize the victims of the fires in California, to thank the ranking Democrat on the committee, Sen. Jack Reed, and to introduce the new members of the committee who were sworn into the Senate this month.
Wicker warned the crowd not to cheer or express approval for the nominee going forward, saying anyone who does so will be removed from the hearing room. Wicker touted Hegseth's qualifications in his opening remarks and the urgency of the moment on the world stage, while acknowledging the scrutiny that Trump's pick for defense secretary has faced.
"If confirmed, Mr. Pete Hegseth would assume the role in a moment of consequence," Wicker said, saying the U.S. faces the "most dangerous" security environment since World War II.
"America has entered a window of maximum danger," Wicker added, urging that the department needs "energetic" leadership.
Wicker posed a question before the committee, saying senators should ask whether the Pentagon's civilian leadership has proven up to the challenge in the past. He said it has not, saying most of the department's signature programs run years behind schedule, along with other issues.
"Today's Department of Defense is no longer prepared for great power competition," Wicker said.
"Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional. The nominee is unconventional," Wicker said, comparing Hegseth to the president-elect in his differences from the norm. "That may be what makes Mr. Hegseth an excellent choice."
"In short, I'm confident that Mr. Hegseth, supported by a team of experienced top officials, will get the job done," Wicker continued.
Wicker said senators should not underestimate the value of Hegseth's ability to communicate with the military members whom he served alongside, and hinted at the controversies surrounding Hegseth's nomination.
"Mr. Hegseth has admitted to falling short, as we all do from time to time," Wicker said, while noting that many of the accusations have come from anonymous sources.
The chairman stressed that people who have served alongside Hegseth have testified about his character, reading a letter from one individual who touted Hegseth's leadership and combat experience.
Top Democrat says Hegseth lacks "the character and composure" to be defense secretary
Sen. Jack Reed, the Democratic ranking member on the committee, in his opening statement listed why he believes Hegseth is not qualified for the role, citing the allegations of sexual assault and financial mismanagement that Hegseth has previously denied.
"These are perilous times, and the position of secretary of defense demands a leader of unparalleled experience, wisdom and, above all else, character," Reed said. "Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job."
Reed said he has reviewed many of the allegations that have been publicly reported and finds them "highly alarming." He asked Hegseth to address the allegations truthfully throughout the hearing.
The diversity of the military, Reed said, has made it the most lethal it has ever been. He criticized statements Hegseth has made in the past alleging that diversity has made the military weaker.
Reed also expressed concern over Hegseth's leadership of veterans organizations, citing reporting that outlines "gross financial mismanagement," though he noted that the underlying information has not been made available to the committee.
He said he appreciated his meeting last week but called it "unacceptable" that Hegseth didn't meet with other Democrats on the committee, "as has been our bipartisan tradition."
He said the defense secretary is meant to remove partisan politics from the Pentagon but told Hegseth "you propose to inject it."
"Unfortunately, you lack the character and composure and competence to hold the position of secretary of defense," Reed concluded.
Reed noted that Hegseth's nomination will be the first he has opposed over many years on the Armed Services Committee, having voted to confirm the previous eight defense secretaries.
Former Sen. Norm Coleman, Rep. Mike Waltz introduce Hegseth
Former Sen. Norm Coleman, a Minnesota Republican, introduced Hegseth — who grew up in the North Star State — to the committee, calling him "the real deal."
"I'm honored to introduce a son of Minnesota to you — Pete Hegseth," Coleman said.
Coleman acknowledged that Hegseth "has struggled and overcome great personal challenges," urging senators not to give in to the idea that "people can't change."
Rep. Mike Waltz, a Florida Republican who is also Trump's pick for his national security adviser, also spoke before Hegseth, praising him for his military experience and arguing that it will prove valuable for Americans with Hegseth at the Pentagon's helm.
"He will bring the perspective of being the first secretary of defense to have served as a junior officer, on the frontlines" during the War on Terror, Waltz said, adding that Hegseth is "brilliant" at communicating threats to the American people.
Waltz said he has "no doubt" that Hegseth "is going to get the Pentagon back to its primary mission" of military readiness, Waltz said.
"The bottom line is, the status quo is unacceptable, it's not working," Waltz said. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for change."
Protesters interrupt Hegseth's opening statement
Several rounds of protests interrupted Hegseth as he delivered his opening statement. The first protester stood up, shouting, "you are a Christian Zionist and you support the war in Gaza by the Zionists." Another protester could be heard shouting "USA!"
They were led out of the hearing room by Capitol Police.
"Similar interruptions will be treated in like manner," Wicker said, who said later that protests would "not be tolerated."
In opening statement, Hegseth says promoting "warrior culture" is his goal
Hegseth delivered an opening statement to the committee, outlining his vision for the post and arguing that his background — while it differs from previous Pentagon leaders — is an asset.
Hegseth doubled down on ideas he outlined in his book "War on Warriors." He said, "when President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense."
"He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on lethality, meritocracy, war-fighting, accountability and readiness," Hegseth said, as another protester was escorted out of the hearing room.
"First and foremost, we will defend our homeland," Hegseth said, adding that the U.S. can no longer depend on "reputational deterrence."
"We are not Republicans, we are not democrats, we are American warriors," Hegseth said.
Hegseth recalled how he first joined the military, saying he served with "incredible Americans" in Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan and Iraq. He said when he "took off the uniform, my mission never stopped."
Hegseth acknowledged that he doesn't have the biography of previous defense secretaries, while saying that Trump believes "it's time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm."
"A change agent," Hegseth continued. "Someone with no vested interest in certain companies or specific programs or approved narratives."
Hegseth said his "only special interest is the warfighter, deterring wars," and "winning wars," if called upon, by ensuring "our warriors never enter a fair fight."
"Like many of my generation, I've been there," Hegseth said, detailing what he's seen on the battlefield. "This is not academic for me — this is my life."
Hegseth encouraged senators to ask those who know him of his track record as a leader, saying he would explain the work he did at veterans organizations that has come under scrutiny. He called the position that he's seeking "the most important deployment of my life," pledging to executive the president-elect's vision.
"The president has given me a clear vision, and I will execute," he continued. "I've sworn an oath to the Constitution before, and — if confirmed — I will proudly do it again."
Hegseth says allegations were "coordinated smear campaign" in the media
Wicker began the questioning portion of the hearing by giving Hegseth an opportunity to respond to allegations against him. Hegseth claimed he was the victim of a smear campaign organized against him.
"There was a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us," Hegseth said.
Hegseth claimed people he's close to informed him that they had been interviewed by reporters but their statements weren't printed. He said instead, "a small handful of anonymous sources" was able to drive the narrative.
"All they were out to do, Mr. Chairman, was to destroy me," he said.
He said he has shared with the committee several statements from colleagues that show he treats people "with respect, with kindness, with dignity" no matter their race or gender.
"I'm not a perfect person," Hegseth said, but he said he had been saved by "Jesus and Jenny," his wife, whom he married in 2019.
He did not specifically address the allegation of sexual assault from 2017.
Reed says FBI background check was "insufficient"
Reed, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said the FBI background check of Hegseth was 'insufficient." The background checks are traditionally shared with the chairman and ranking member ahead of the hearing.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal told reporters Monday that he had been told the FBI did not hear from Hegseth's ex-wives in its background check, and also had not heard from the woman who has accused Hegseth of sexual assault. Hegseth has denied the allegation.
Reed says officers are receiving threatening emails for supporting current DOD policy
Reed said he has heard current serving military officers have received emails, some with the subject "clean house," that essentially threaten them and their spouses for supporting current Defense Department policies. Hegseth said he is not aware of these emails, but also accused the current administration of not taking "accountability."
"Leadership has been unwilling to take accountability. It's the time to restore that to our most senior ranks," Hegseth said.
Shaheen questions Hegseth about views on women in the military
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, questioned Hegseth over his view that women should not serve in combat roles, which he has attempted to walk back in recent weeks.
"Women in our military, as I have said publicly, have and continue to make amazing contributions across all aspects of our battlefield," Hegseth said.
Hegseth stressed that he cares most about "readiness on the battlefield" and that his views about women in combat were driven by concerns about "standards."
Shaheen pressed Hegseth on the question, asking what women serving in the military should believe due to his conflicting statements.
Hegseth said he would tell women in the military that "I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside you."
"I appreciate your eleventh hour conversion," Shaheen said, while citing a chapter in Hegseth's book titled
"The (Deadly) Obsession with Women Warriors."
Shaheen said she's voted to confirm six people for secretary of defense from three different administrations. She said she was "disappointed" that she was not able to meet with Hegseth ahead of the hearing.
Hegseth said standards should be "equal and high" for combat roles regardless of gender
Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, gave Hegseth another chance to address the issue of women in combat roles.
Hegseth said Trump has not indicated that his administration would change the policy that allows women to serve in combat roles but said "ensuring that standards are equal and high is of importance to him and great importance to me."
Hegseth said that on the battlefield, the weight of the equipment doesn't change, stressing that "whether it's a man or a woman, they have to meet the same high standards,"
Cotton drilled down on the logistics, citing the "physical reality" of ground combat, noting that the physical demands are "very high."
Hegseth said "nothing other than the execution of the mission" should be a factor.
Gillibrand calls Hegseth statements "so hurtful" to men and women serving in military
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, said Hegseth's statements about women are "so hurtful" to men and women serving in the military, and that he will have to change his view of women in order to serve in the top Pentagon post.
"You will have to change how you see women to do this job well, and I don't know if you are capable of that," an impassioned Gillibrand said.
Gillibrand held up a piece of paper with the requirements for men and women serving in some roles in the military, noting that they are "very difficult" to meet. She asked Hegseth to explain his "brutal" and "mean" statements.
Hegseth said he had never disparaged women serving in the military, noting that his criticism concerned instances where he saw standards lowered.
"Please, do not deny that you've made those statements — you have," Gillibrand responded, calling his comments "beneath the position" he is aspiring to.
Blumenthal questions Hegseth over leadership of veterans groups
Blumenthal said he has the tax returns that show deficits while Hegseth led the organization Vets for Freedom, arguing that the financial "mismanagement" can't be tolerated at the Department of Defense.
"I don't believe that you can tell this committee or the people of America that you are qualified to lead them," Blumenthal said, citing the number of people the department employs.
Blumenthal said he doesn't dispute Hegseth's communication skills, adding that he would support him as a spokesperson, rather than to lead the Pentagon.
Hegseth said he's "extremely proud" of the work he did at Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America.
Ernst, who could be key to Hegseth's confirmation, raises issues at the heart of her support
Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who has been closely watched as someone who could withhold support for Hegseth, outlined the key issues at the heart of determining her support, while noting that she and Hegseth had already had a number of meetings. The exchange was polite and not contentious, a sign that Ernst could end up supporting Hegseth's nomination.
Ernst said she and Hegseth have had "very frank conversations" since Trump announced Hegseth as his intended nominee. She focused her questions on issues she said were "very important" to her, including a clean audit, women in combat, maintaining high standards and addressing sexual assault.
Ernst, who noted that she served in uniform for over 23 years, said it's "incredibly important" that she stress — and Hegseth stress — "that every man and woman has opportunity to serve their country in uniform and do so at any level as long as they are meeting the standards that are set forward."
The Iowa Republican asked Hegseth to make it "very clear" whether he would support women continuing to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles.
"My answer is yes, exactly the way you caveated it," Hegseth said, noting that standards should remain high.
He said one of the first things he would do at the Pentagon is review the standards.
"One of the first things we do at the Pentagon is reviewing that in a gender neutral way, the standards, ensuring readiness and meritocracy is front and center," Hegseth said.
Asked by Ernst, Hegseth said he would appoint a senior official dedicated to sexual assault response in the military, as he said the two had discussed.
On Tuesday evening, Ernst told NewsRadio 1040 WHO in Des Moines that Hegseth was "adequately able to answer all of my questions," and told the station, "Yes, I will be supporting President Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth."
Hirono questions Hegseth over sexual assault allegations, drinking
Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Hawaii Democrat, questioned Hegseth over sexual assault allegations that he has repeatedly denied.
"I was falsely accused in October of 2017," Hegseth reiterated. "It was fully investigated and I was completely cleared."
Hirono said she didn't think the incident was "completely cleared." The Hawaii Democrat also questioned Hegseth over allegations related to "excessive drinking," including at work.
Hegseth said he would "absolutely" stop drinking should he be confirmed to the top Pentagon post.
Asked about his stance on the Pentagon's abortion policy, Hegseth said "I don't believe the federal government should be funding travel for abortion."
Kaine questions Hegseth over his personal life and infidelity
In the most contentious questioning of the hearing so far, Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, repeatedly asked Hegseth about his relationship history, pointing to his three marriages and public admissions of infidelity.
"Can you so casually cheat on a second wife?" Kaine said, asking Hegseth about the timing of the October 2017 allegation of sexual assault that Hegseth claims was a consensual encounter.
"You've admitted that you had sex at that hotel," Kaine said. "You said it was consensual, isn't that correct? You've admitted it was consensual, and you were still married, and you had just had a child by another woman. How do you explain your judgment?"
Hegseth evaded the question and defended his family, calling the daughter the couple have together a "child of God."
Kaine asked Hegseth to answer if it had been sexual assault, would it be disqualifying? Hegseth repeated that the allegation was "a false claim" but wouldn't answer whether it would be disqualifying.
"Senator, I sit here before you an open book," Hegseth said.
"With multiple nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements tying the hands of many people who would like to comment to us," Kaine replied.
Cramer questions Hegseth over tattoo that drew controversy
Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota, Republican, asked Hegseth to explain his tattoo that has prompted controversy.
Hegseth said his tattoo is a "Jerusalem Cross" that some have claimed is a symbol of Christian nationalism.
"I had been identified as an extremist" who was not fit to protect President Biden at his inauguration, Hegseth told Cramer.
CBS News has reported a fellow National Guardsman who flagged Hegseth ahead of the inauguration was more concerned about a tattoo that says "Deus Vult" that Hegseth has on his arm. "Deus Vult" is a Christian motto that originated in the Crusades and has been adopted by some far-right groups in recent years.
Cramer vocally defended Hegseth, emphatically saying he is "not an extremist."
King asks Hegseth if he plans to abandon Ukraine
Sen. Angus King, a Maine independent who caucuses with Democrats, raised that Hegseth's opening remarks did not mention the war in Ukraine and asked if the absence was "code" for abandoning U.S. support for Ukraine.
Hegseth said Trump has "made it very clear" he would like to see an end to "that conflict."
"We know who the aggressor is," Hegseth said. "We know who the good guy is. We'd like to see it as advantageous for the Ukrainians as possible, but that war needs to come to an end."
Warren grills Hegseth over views on women in combat
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, said she has "serious concerns" that Hegseth's behavior toward women "disqualifies" him from serving in the role, reciting a number of Hegseth's previous public comments about women in combat roles.
Warren argued that the quotes illustrate that for more than a decade, Hegseth held the position should not be in combat roles, while noting an "about face" by Hegseth more recently on the issue.
"For me, this issue has always been about standards," Hegseth said.
Warren pressed Hegseth, saying there wasn't previously a mention of standards and asking what had changed. "The song you sang is not the song you come in here to sing," she said, while supposing that the change came due to Hegseth's nomination.
"Let me make a suggestion about what happened in that 32 days," Warren said of the amount of time between Hegseth's differing statements. "You got a nomination from President Trump. Now I've heard of deathbed conversions, but this is the first time I've heard of a nomination conversion."
She continued: "And I hope you understand, that many women serving in the military right now might think that if you can convert so rapidly, your long-held and aggressively pursued views in just 32 days, that 32 days after you get confirmed, maybe you'll just reverse those views and go back to the old guy who said, 'straight up,' women do not belong in combat."
Duckworth: "You're not qualified, Mr. Hegseth"
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, pressed Hegseth over his fitness to lead the Pentagon, repeatedly asking him to answer whether he's ever led an audit, along with other questions related to defense.
"You're not qualified, Mr. Hegseth," Duckworth said.
The Illinois Democrat, who lost both her legs in Iraq in 2004 when her helicopter was hit by an RPG, criticized Hegseth for his comments about women in combat roles. But she said that what's at issue in the hearing is whether he is capable of serving in the top Pentagon post, not whether women are capable.
"You have not earned your place as secretary of defense," Duckworth said. "You, sir, are a no-go at this station."
Mullin criticizes Democrats for emphasizing Hegseth's personal life
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, called Democrats hypocritical for emphasizing Hegseth's alleged personal misconduct.
"How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night?" Mullin said. "Have any of you guys asked them to step down and resign from their job?"
Mullin posed a similar rhetorical question about whether Democrats have asked senators who have gotten a divorce for cheating to resign.
"You make a big show and point out the hypocrisy because the man has made a mistake," Mullin addressed Democrats, while pointing at Hegseth.
"We've all made mistakes, I've made mistakes," Mullin said.
Schmitt calls Hegseth "breath of fresh air" on "woke ideology" and DEI
Sen. Eric Schmitt, a Missouri Republican, criticized "woke ideology" and an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion in the military, praising Hegseth for his stances and calling him a "breath of fresh air."
"This stuff is inane, and people wonder why recruiting has dropped off," Schmitt said.
Asked whether he would recommit to hiring back members of the military who were discharged for refusing vaccine requirements, Hegseth said he would recommit to doing so, noting that Trump has pledged to do the same.
On DEI, Hegseth said, "this is not a time for equity," noting that equity differs from equality and quipping that, in the military, "we all get the same bad haircuts."
Kelly peppers Hegseth with questions about drinking and work behavior
Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, asked Hegseth about a slew of reported incidents concerning drinking and inappropriate workplace behavior, which Hegseth claimed were false.
"Anonymous smear," Hegseth repeatedly replied to Kelly's yes or no questions.
"You admittedly had issues with heavy drinking," Kelly said. "It's hard to sort of square the circle here."
Kelly questioned whether Hegseth had overcome personal issues, like he has said, or whether he is the target of a smear campaign, noting it can't be both. And Kelly claimed that in his responses, Hegseth has been dishonest with the American people.
The Arizona Democrat said among the things that concern him about the nomination is the "idea of having a secretary of defense" who is not transparent.
Hegeseth dodges question about following unconstitutional orders from Trump
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, repeatedly asked Hegseth whether he would follow an order from Trump, or any president, that violates the Constitution. Hegseth dodged the question, saying he rejected the premise, during a tense exchange.
Slotkin also asked whether Hegseth intends to fire the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown. Hegseth in November said during a podcast interview before he was picked by Trump that Brown should be fired.
"Senator, every single senior officer will be reviewed based on meritocracy, standards, lethality, and commitment to lawful orders they will be given," Hegseth replied.
Hearing ends after 4 hours of questioning
After more than four hours of questioning, the hearing came to an end, with the committee set to vote on advancing Hegseth's nomination at a later date.
Based on the tenor of questions from Republican senators, Hegseth seems likely to win confirmation in the full Senate. Sen. Joni Ernst, one of the Republicans whose support seemed to be up in the air, received reassurances from Hegseth on many of the issues that she has said will decide her vote.
Republicans control 53 seats in the Senate, and 50 votes are needed to confirm nominees.