In fiery hearing, Trump’s nominee Pete Hegseth grilled over women, conduct By Reuters

By Phil Stewart, Idris Ali and Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegsett, came under fire at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, as Democrats railed against him and expressed deep concern about his inexperience, alleged drunkenness and past backlash against women in combat.

Hegsett, a former Fox News host, is one of the most controversial figures ever to run for defense secretary. The 44-year-old has criticized diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the military and, in his latest book, questioned whether the top U.S. general has it. the job because he is black.

When asked whether he will dismiss the head of the Joint Staff, General K. K. Reuters first reported the possibility that Brown should take over the Army, but Hegsett declined to rule it out, saying he would conduct a broad review.

“Each senior officer will be reviewed based on merit, standards, lethality and the legal orders to be issued,” Hegsett said.

Prior to her nomination, Hegsett strongly opposed women serving in combat roles, but backed away from that position during the most contentious hearings to commemorate the US defense secretary.

“Mr. Hegsett, I do not believe you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job,” said Sen. Jack Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Reed criticized the FBI’s investigation into Hegsett’s background, saying it failed to adequately investigate the wide-ranging allegations against him. The FBI declined to comment.

Several episodes have raised concerns among lawmakers, including a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth, which he denies, and accusations of excessive drinking and financial mismanagement at veterans organizations. if confirmed, and has said he made some financial mistakes but denies any wrongdoing.

Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand criticized Hegsett’s past comments about women in the U.S. military, saying she needs to fundamentally change how she views women, who make up 18% of the U.S. military.

“We have hundreds, hundreds of women who serve in the infantry, lethal members of our military … But you’re putting them down,” Gillibrand said, raising her voice in the heated exchange.

“Please explain these types of statements because they are cruel and vile.”

Despite Trump’s strong Republican support, Hegsett’s confirmation may hinge on his performance before the committee.

He appears not to have made any major gaffes that could alienate Republican lawmakers in what could have been a lopsided vote along party lines.

As Hegsett entered the packed audience, he was greeted by cheers from supporters, chants of “USA, USA, USA” and chants of “Find it, Patty!”

Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican who chairs the committee, endorsed Hegsett, saying:

“Regarding his personal conduct, Mr. Hegsett has admitted to falling short, as we all do from time to time,” Wicker said.

Republican senators, including Markwayne Mullin and Tim Sheehy, strongly defended Hegsett. Mullin dismissed concerns from Democrats about him, particularly his personal life, as political theater.

“It’s all for show,” Mullen (NASDAQ: ) said.

“REPORT COMING”

Hegsett’s opening remarks to the committee, praising Trump, were repeatedly interrupted by protesters as he vowed to restore a “warrior culture” to the U.S. military and said those who fall short will be held accountable.

“(Trump) believes, and I humbly agree, that it’s time to give the reins to someone whose shoes are gathering dust. An agent of change,” Hegsett said.

“Everyone from the top, from the most senior general to the lowest private, (we will) ensure that they are treated fairly.”

When asked about her remarks opposing women in combat, Hegsett cited the need to eliminate quotas for frontline roles.Gillibrand responded that such quotas do not exist.

He later told Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, himself a veteran, that he would support women in combat roles “given that the standards remain high, and we will have a review to make sure the standards are not eroded.”

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a US Army veteran who lost both legs fighting in Iraq, criticized Hegsett for his gaps in foreign policy knowledge and lack of management experience, saying he was unfit to lead the Pentagon.

“You say you care about keeping our armed forces strong…then let’s not lower the standards for you. You, sir, are banned from this station,” Duckworth said.

In an incident first reported by Reuters in 2021, Hegsett was called an “internal threat” by an Army National Guard colleague because of his tattoos is from guard duty in Washington, D.C., during the inauguration of President Joe Biden.

Trump’s party has rallied around his nominee in recent weeks.

Still, the slim Republican Senate majority means Hegsett could lose the support of no more than three senators needed for confirmation if Democrats and independents unite against him.

GOP nominees almost never lose Senate votes because they are usually recalled if they appear to be in trouble.

The last candidate to lose was former Senator John Tower, who ran for Secretary of Defense in 1989. Tower was investigated for drunkenness and inappropriate behavior with women.

If confirmed, Hegsett could fulfill Trump’s promises to rid the military of generals he accuses of pursuing progressive diversity policies.

Hegseth, who has little management experience, will lead an organization with a budget of nearly $1 trillion, 1.3 million active duty members and nearly 1 million civilian employees.

The next defense secretary will face a number of major overseas issues, including the active conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the expansion of China’s military, issues that received only prominent attention during hearings that focused more on culture war issues.