Topline
Title: Sen. Joni Ernst's Support for Trump's Pentagon Pick: Confirmed After Senate Hearing
Under intense grilling from senators on Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, faced questioning about his controversial views on the military and a sexual misconduct allegation. However, no Republican senators indicated they would vote against him, and Sen. Joni Ernst, a key vote due to her advocacy against military sexual misconduct, offered her support, potentially paving the way for his Senate confirmation.
Timeline
- 1:45 p.m.: Hegseth's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee concluded after approximately four hours of questioning. Although Democrats questioned him about allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, opposition to women serving in combat roles, and his qualifications, no Republican senators indicated they would vote against his confirmation.
- 10:10 a.m.: In his opening statement, Hegseth stated his primary role would be to restore the warrior culture to the Department of Defense and pledged to ensure that women would have access to ground combat roles after a review.
- 10:30 a.m.: Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, criticized the FBI background check into Hegseth, calling it insufficient and lacking a forensic audit. He urged senators to have access to the report.
- 10:20 a.m.: Hegseth, answering a question from Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., dismissed the allegations against him as a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media and claimed most of the allegations came from anonymous sources.
Who Is Pete Hegseth—and Why Is He Controversial?
Hegseth, a 44-year-old military veteran and former Fox News host, has been embroiled in controversy due to allegations of sexual assault, accusations about his drinking habits, and controversial views on the military, including opposition to women serving in combat roles.
What Are The Sexual Assault Allegations Against Hegseth?
A woman accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her in his hotel room after they met at a conference in 2017, according to a police report. Hegseth strongly denied the allegations, claiming he had consensual sex with the woman.
What Are The Allegations Against Hegseth Related To His Drinking?
The New Yorker reported that Hegseth was forced to step down as president of Concerned Veterans for America due to allegations of heavy drinking during official work trips. However, Hegseth has denied these allegations.
What Has Hegseth Said About Women In The Military?
Hegseth has expressed opposition to women serving in combat roles, stating that having women in the military makes the situation more complicated and increases the number of casualties.
What Has Hegseth Said About NATO?
Hegseth has called NATO a "relic" that "should be scrapped and remade." He also questioned why Islamist Turkey is a member of NATO.
What Else Has Hegseth Said About The Military?
Hegseth has criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the military, stating that Joint Chiefs Chairman Charles Brown, a Black man, might have been hired due to his skin color or skill. He has also successfully advocated for Trump to pardon three service members accused or convicted of war crimes.
What Has Trump Said About Hegseth?
Trump has expressed strong support for Hegseth, calling him a "WINNER" and stating that there is "nothing that can be done to change that."
Will Any Republicans Vote Against Hegseth?
No, as of the hearing, no GOP lawmakers indicated they would break ranks and vote against Hegseth.
During the Senate confirmation hearings, Senator Joni Ernst, an advocate against military sexual misconduct, expressed her support for Pete Hegseth, potentially facilitating his eventual Senate confirmation. After the hearings, Donald Trump, who had nominated Hegseth for Defense Secretary, praised him as a " WINNER."
