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Donald Trump, the nominee to lead the Pentagon, told US senators on Tuesday that he is trying to stop a “smear campaign” from taking the job as they try to convince them to confirm him.
Pete HegsettThe conservative former Fox News host has been repeatedly accused of sexual assault, promiscuity, excessive alcohol consumption and financial misconduct since Trump appointed him as defense secretary.
In it US Senate He derided the “leftist media” and “anonymous sources” as the confirmation hearing on Wednesday was an orchestrated effort to keep Hegseth out of the next presidential administration.
“It was an orchestrated smear campaign by the media. . . Much of it has had to endure the same thing about President Donald Trump,” Hughes said.
A former soldier in a blue suit emblazoned with an American flag pocket square entered the room and the audience cheered and chanted “USA, USA, USA” as they entered the room.
“For Hegseth,” a man shouted from among the rows of black-hatted men as the candidate entered. During Hughes’s opening statement, four people were escorted out of the courtroom, most of them shouting about the war in Gaza.
Hughes’ grilling in Washington comes as the Senate begins confirmation dates on Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including controversial picks such as vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health Department and Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence.
The Republican-dominated Senate must confirm Hegseth, but the nominee must first get approval from the House’s powerful Armed Services Committee, which holds 13 seats and 12 Democrats.
Washington, Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, is on the committee to see how he will vote, watching as Hughes continues to express his stance on the role of war and sexual violence against women in the military.
On Tuesday, Ernst, a former soldier, told Hegsett to make sure every woman has the opportunity to serve their country “and at any level.”
Hegseth told her that women can “remain high standards and gain access to combat roles on the ground” and that he is committed to appointing a senior officer to prevent and respond to sexual assault.
Hughes served in the Army National Guard but was recently a host on Fox News, where he railed against “vigilance” against the US military and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. DEI policies in the Army “divided the Army” and “forced commanders to walk on eggshells,” Heggs said at the hearing.
The conservative fire sign took offense to writing that women are less effective than men in combat roles.
“When I talk about this issue, it is not the power of men and women. It’s about standards that have “eroded,” Hegseth said.
“I don’t believe you are qualified to meet the high demands of this job,” Sen. Jack Reid, the committee’s top Democrat, told Hegseth. “You lack the character and composure to hold the position.”
Hughes’ surprise pick for the top Pentagon job initially alarmed some lawmakers in Congress, including Republicans, and prompted Trump to consider alternatives.
But the president-elect has finally publicly endorsed him, and after meetings with Senate Republicans, the nominee looks more promising.
“Pete Hegseth will be a great Secretary of Defense. He has my full and total support. Good luck today, Pete!” … Trump posted on the reality social platform before the start of his confirmation hearing.
Trump’s national security adviser nominee Mike Waltz introduced Hegseth at the hearing and urged senators to confirm him.
Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, acknowledged: “This appointment is certainly unusual.” But he likened the nominee to Trump, calling Hegseth “a great choice.”
Top Senate Republicans have said they believe Hegsett has the votes to become defense secretary. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso told CBS News on Sunday that the process is “going in the right direction.”
