What Happened – One America News Network
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
6:03 PM – Tuesday, January 14, 2025
During a confirmation hearing on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., members of the Senate Armed Services Committee questioned Pete Hegseth, the nominee from President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Pentagon.
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The 44-year-old former Army veteran and Fox News host responded to “anonymous accusations” as lawmakers probed into numerous claims, including reports of excessive drinking and other forms of “misconduct.”
Throughout the discussion, Hegseth, the Army veteran nominee for Secretary of Defense, who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, refuted what he deemed “false allegations,” accusing the liberal mainstream media of a “coordinated smear campaign” following his nomination announcement in November.
From 2004 to 2005, this Princeton graduate served with the 101st Airborne Division at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. He later volunteered as an officer in Iraq from 2005 to 2006, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his combat service. In 2012, he again volunteered for a tour to train Afghan security forces.
In his opening remarks, Hegseth contended that it was essential to “hand over the reins to someone who has experienced combat on the ground” at the Pentagon.
Additionally, Hegseth criticized Democratic leaders, accusing them of “anti-Christian bigotry” for disparaging a Jerusalem Cross tattoo he has on his chest. Ironically, it is the same cross symbol that appeared on the cover of former Democratic President Jimmy Carter’s funeral program.
Hegseth recounted that due to his tattoo, he was ordered to step down from a contingent of National Guard troops set to protect President Biden’s inauguration in 2021, which baffled many on social media, given President Biden’s Catholic claim.
If confirmed, the Defense Secretary nominee will take office during what Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker called “the most perilous time” since World War II.
“If confirmed, Mr. Pete Hegseth would take on this role at a critical moment,” Wicker (R-Miss.) declared during his opening remarks.
“The United States confronts the most hazardous security situation since World War II,” he noted, referring to an “axis of aggressors”—including “China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.”
Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the lead Democrat on the committee, quickly voiced his dissent regarding Hegseth’s nomination.
“As secretary, you will lead a department comprising three and a half million service members and civilians, manage an nearly $900 billion annual budget, and oversee hundreds of thousands of aircraft, ships, combat vehicles, satellites, and the nuclear arsenal,” Reed stated.
“Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe you possess the qualifications requisite for this role,” he added.
“You lack the character, composure, and competency required for the position of secretary of defense.”
Reed further elaborated on the claims against Hegseth, labeling them as “extremely concerning.”
The allegations, according to Reed, included “violating the laws of war, financial misconduct, racist and sexist comments regarding personnel in uniform, issues related to alcohol, sexual assault, harassment, and other serious matters.”
“We must address the troubling public allegations against you,” Reed continued, referencing “a mix of sources” that he claimed were anonymous.
Representative Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) introduced Hegseth, promising that if the nominee is confirmed, he would “revive the warrior ethos” within the Pentagon.
“No one dreads war more than those required to engage in it,” Waltz, President-elect Trump’s pick for national security adviser, stated.
“The bottom line is, the status quo is intolerable,” he continued. “The Pentagon has failed its audits consistently … innovation has stagnated, morale has declined, and meritocracy has diminished.”
“It’s time for a change.”
A heckler interrupted Hegseth’s opening statement, shouting accusations of misogyny.
“Misogynist!” a man in a white jacket yelled before being escorted out by Capitol Police. “You are a Christian Zionist!”
Once the heckler was removed, Waltz resumed.
“He will bring the perspective of being the first secretary of defense with real front-line experience — not from a headquarters, but from the front lines in the War on Terror,” said Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser choice.
“[He] understands the human toll, the financial burden, and the policy missteps that have led us into endless conflicts.”
In his opening remarks to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth stated that his “only interest is the warfighter.”
“My sole focus is on the warfighter, deterring wars, and if needed, securing victories by ensuring our forces never face a fair fight; we let them prevail and bring them home,” Hegseth asserted.
“Our benchmarks will be high but equitable. Not the same standard — that’s a distinctly different term,” he added.
“Today’s left-leaning media often neglects the truth. Their sole purpose, Mr. Chairman, was to undermine my character,” he stated.
Hegseth expressed disappointment that although his former colleagues, including fellow service members, publicly supported him, their endorsements received minimal media coverage.
“Right from the start, it was evident that there was a structured smear campaign against us,” the Pentagon nominee said.
“It’s acknowledged that I possess a different background than previous secretaries of defense in the last three decades, but as President Trump advised me, ‘We have consistently placed people with perfect credentials atop the Pentagon, whether they be retired generals, academics, or defense contractors, and where has that taken us?’” Hegseth said.
“Many from my generation have experienced this firsthand. I’ve commanded troops in combat, gone on extended patrols, engaged in firefights, called for close air support, orchestrated medevacs, navigated IEDs, and stood before battlefield crosses. This is not just theory for me; it’s a reality. I led before, and I will lead now.”
Reed stated that Hegseth’s FBI background check was “insufficient,” insinuating the lack of substantial evidence against Hegseth was a sign of inadequacy.
“You and I have both reviewed the FBI background investigation,” Reed said. “For the record, I believe that investigation fell short.”
Reed further grilled Hegseth on his positions regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the military, referencing letters received by military leaders threatening to expel “disloyal, corrupt, traitorous, liberal officers.”
“Senator, you referenced accountability, which has been lacking for the past four years,” Hegseth retorted.
“All your public statements fail to address meritocracy,” Reed fired back.
“Instead, they focus on liberal Democratic agendas that are undermining the military and labeling those individuals as adversaries.”
Hegseth reiterated his support for women in the U.S. military, contingent upon meeting all combat-related standards. He commended their “remarkable contributions” both on and off the battlefield.
“Our differences should not be how we are defined,” he responded, expressing he would be “honored” to serve alongside female soldiers.
“I appreciate your late conversion,” Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) quipped sarcastically.
Hegseth maintained that his previous statements were focused solely on the “standards” upheld by the Pentagon, with women comprising approximately 18% of the U.S. military.
“Women in our military have made, and continue to make, significant contributions across all sectors,” Hegseth emphasized.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, criticized the Army’s current physical fitness test, asserting its leniency, which only requires troops to complete a two-mile run in under 22 minutes.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) accused Hegseth of “disparaging” liberal, LGBTQ+, and female soldiers.
“Senator, as the president has indicated, I agree with the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” Hegseth stated concerning the Pentagon’s policy on gay service members, enacted under President Bill Clinton.
“I volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan under Democratic President Barack Obama,” he continued.
“I also volunteered to provide security during Joe Biden’s inauguration but was not permitted to serve due to being flagged as an extremist because of my Christian tattoo.”
When addressing the possibility of U.S. involvement in conflicts in both the Pacific with China and the Middle East with Iran, Hegseth suggested he believed that President-elect Donald Trump would avert military action, in contrast to Biden.
“That’s why I feel fortunate that our country will have a new commander-in-chief, Donald Trump, who has strategically engaged with allies and confronted adversaries to stave off wars, and is determined to continue this approach,” Hegseth expressed.
“Our responsibility is to deter and avoid wars … with President Trump at the forefront, I believe it will significantly influence how our enemies perceive us.”
Shortly thereafter, another Democratic lawmaker accused Pete Hegseth of being “ousted” due to financial misconduct in the 2010s.
If appointed, Hegseth would oversee a budget exceeding $900 billion, as noted by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).
Blumenthal pointed out budget “shortfalls” in several prior years.
Nevertheless, Hegseth explained that the enhancements made to the Department of Veterans Affairs were the result of legislative initiatives driven by Concerned Veterans for America.
“We utilized our donor funding to produce policies that improved veterans’ lives,” Hegseth elaborated.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a veteran of the Iowa National Guard, questioned Hegseth regarding his previous comments. She accused him of disparaging women in combat situations.
“Having served in Kuwait and Iraq, it’s vital that I emphasize — and I hope this reassures you — that all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to serve their country in uniform, as long as they meet the established standards,” the Iowa Republican asserted.
“Let’s clarify — as Secretary of Defense, will you ensure women continue to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles?” she inquired.
Hegseth nodded affirmatively, stating, “Women will have access to ground combat roles, provided combat standards are maintained.”
In addition, Hegseth pledged to refrain from alcohol while at the Pentagon and denied allegations of sexual misconduct against him as unfounded.
“Senator, I was falsely accused in October of 2017; that matter was fully investigated, and I was completely exonerated,” Hegseth stated in response to Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), who questioned whether he had made unwanted sexual advances or engaged in verbal or physical sexual misconduct.
Another Democrat claimed during the hearing that Hegseth had not been “completely exonerated” from sexual assault allegations in 2017.
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.): “I find it shocking that you would assert you are completely cleared.”
Hegseth: “Those accusations were false then, and they remain false now.”
Kaine: “You have confessed to committing adultery while still married to your second wife, shortly after fathering a child with your third wife.”
Hegseth: “That was a false allegation then, and it is still false.”
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) probed about how U.S. troops would perceive Hegseth’s commitment to removing the “woke influence” from the military.
“Senator, I know the troops will welcome that news,” Hegseth replied confidently. “They will appreciate it. The recruiting numbers already reflect this increase and have surged since President Trump’s victory.”
The revamped Defense Department would “prioritize lethality and effective warfare,” he added.
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) also contributed his perspective.
“Mr. Hegseth, you are not the extremist; those who seek to suppress your religious expression are the true extremists, bigots, and racists.”
Nonetheless, Tim Kaine (D-Va.) maintained his critique, asserting that those accusing Hegseth of misconduct were “not anonymous,” despite the absence of public names which hindered a thorough evaluation of their credibility.
“They are not anonymous. We have reviewed records with names attached,” Kaine declared.
“One colleague reported that you were intoxicated at a bar event, chanting ‘Kill all Muslims.’ Another colleague — not anonymous — recounted that you took co-workers to a strip club while intoxicated, attempted to dance with strippers, and were restrained from the stage. One of your employees filed a sexual harassment charge following this incident,” he continued.
“We have documented evidence with names linked to these claims, including your mother’s name as well,” the senator concluded. “So don’t dismiss this as being merely an anonymous media claim; there are multiple named colleagues consistently alleging your abusive behavior.”
Shortly thereafter, incoming-VP JD Vance shared on X expressing the importance of confirming Hegseth.
Senator Angus King (I-Maine) interjected into the debate.
“Do you believe torture is acceptable?” King asked, addressing the nominee’s past comments. “Will we adhere to the Geneva Conventions and prohibitions against torture?”
“That’s not what I said. I’ve never endorsed torture. America operates within the bounds of the rule of law,” Hegseth asserted.
“An America First national security posture will not relinquish its prerogative to international organizations,” he continued.
Furthermore, King asked if Hegseth’s earlier comments, which mentioned Iranian and Chinese aggression but omitted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, indicated a stance of abandoning Ukraine.
Hegseth replied that Trump had “been clear about wanting to see that conflict resolved.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), often referred to as “Pocahontas” by Trump, who previously claimed Indigenous heritage leading to scrutiny from a Cherokee Tribe leader, jumped in to attempt to bolster the Democratic stance.
“I’ve heard of deathbed conversions, but this is the first time I’ve witnessed a nomination conversion,” Warren stated. “If you can change your long-held and firmly held beliefs in just 32 days, perhaps you will revert back after your confirmation,” she added, quoting Hegseth’s past views dismissing women from combat roles.
Hegseth replied, “This issue has always revolved around maintaining standards.”
This incited Warren to interrupt him again.
“Let’s halt right there,” she interrupted. “I’m quoting you from the podcast; you stated that women should not serve in combat at all.”
“Senator, it’s not even an issue I’ve pondered,” Hegseth retorted. “I would consult with the president.”
“In other words, you’re stating that every general should not immediately transition into the defense industry for ten years, but you’re unwilling to commit to the same for yourself?” Warren pressed.
“I’m not a general, senator,” Hegseth clarified, eliciting laughter from the audience.
“You will be overseeing the generals, so your standards shouldn’t differ for others,” Warren argued, seemingly dismissing the laughter at her objection.
“I would want to know the president’s policy regarding this,” Hegseth replied.
“Oh, I imagine you would,” Warren responded.
Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) took his turn to question Hegseth.
He stated that confirming Hegseth as the next secretary would “lower the standards.”
“We are the board of directors here. I don’t know any corporate board of directors that would hire a CEO with a track record of simply saying, ‘I supervised 100 people previously,’” he criticized.
“Can you provide an instance where you’ve successfully reduced costs?” Peters probed. “Did you achieve that while managing a 50-person enterprise?”
In response, Hegseth expressed he would be honored to work for one of the “most successful CEOs in American history,” referencing President-elect Trump’s years in real estate.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) interjected.
Wicker: “It appears to me you’ve managed more personnel than the average U.S. senator does,” generating applause from attendees.
Shortly thereafter, GOP Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) called out Democratic senators for their hypocrisy regarding Hegseth’s past drinking issues.
Mullin: “How many senators have arrived drunk to vote at night? Have any of you demanded their resignation?” the Oklahoma Republican asked. “And don’t claim you haven’t witnessed it, because I know you have.”
Retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who hails from Bangkok, Thailand, criticized Hegseth, arguing he lacks the fitness for the position. When Duckworth quizzed him about U.S. security accords, the defense candidate mentioned NATO before being cut off.
“Status of Forces Agreement,” Duckworth interjected. “You are unqualified, Mr. Hegseth.”
“Let’s not diminish the standards for you,” she insisted. “You, sir, are a no-go for this position.”
Hegseth previously pledged that all personnel discharged for refusing the experimental mRNA COVID-19 vaccine shall be reinstated.
“During the COVID crisis,” Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) began, “8,000 well-trained individuals were discharged. Will you guarantee today, Mr. Hegseth, to reinstate these individuals, issue them back pay, and apologize?”
“Not only will they be reinstated,” Hegseth confirmed. “They will be offered an apology, back pay, and restoration of rank taken due to being ousted for the experimental vaccine.”
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who retired as a captain following extensive service in the U.S. Navy, posed a series of allegations regarding Hegseth’s purported sexual misconduct and binge drinking, inquiring if they were “true or false.”
“Anonymous accusations,” Hegseth responded to each claim, save for the strip club incident.
“Absolutely not, these are baseless anonymous claims,” the Pentagon nominee reiterated.
Hegseth later denounced Secretary Lloyd Austin’s and other Biden administration officials’ support for the disastrous 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan as “embarrassing.”
“They still herald it as the most successful airlift in American history,” he stated with a smirk, calling the operation an “absolute failure” that tarnished “our standing.”
“No one involved has ever taken responsibility for it,” he remarked regarding the Kabul withdrawal, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members in an ISIS-K suicide bombing.
Hegseth was queried by newly-elected Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) whether he would “resist” if given an unlawful order.
“[Former Defense] Secretary Mark Esper was asked and utilized uniformed military to disperse unarmed demonstrators,” Slotkin remarked. “He later publicly apologized for these actions. Was that the right or wrong decision?”
“I’m not going to express opinions for Secretary Esper,” Hegseth answered.
“What are you afraid of?” Slotkin pressed.
“I fear nothing, senator,” he retorted.
Slotkin: “If Donald Trump instructed you to deploy the 82nd Airborne for law enforcement in D.C., would you advocate against that?”
Hegseth: “I won’t preempt any discussions I would have with the president. However, we will comply with laws and constitutional processes.”
“Senator, I’m pleased we’ve finally connected the concept of border security with national security,” he added later.
“That wasn’t my inquiry,” she shot back. “Would you enlist active duty members to operate detention facilities?”
Hegseth: “All actions we undertake will adhere strictly to the law and constitutional guidelines.”
Slotkin: “I’m taking that as a ‘Yes.’”
As the hearing came to a close, former Navy SEAL Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) had his turn to question Hegseth.
Sheehy: “Pete, I’m going to ask you questions because I genuinely want to know your thoughts… How many genders exist? A challenging question.”
Hegseth: “Senator, there are two genders.”
Sheehy: “I’m aware of that well — I’m a Sheehy, so I’m on board.” Following up with laughter. “How many push-ups can you perform?”
Hegseth: “I did five sets of 47 this morning.”
Sheehy: “What do you consider our most critical strategic base in the Pacific?”
Hegseth: “Guam is notably significant.”
The Senate Armed Services Committee concluded its meeting with Hegseth shortly before 2 p.m.
“I extend gratitude to the witnesses and their families,” Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) remarked before closing the session. “This hearing is officially adjourned.”
Following today’s hearing, the Trump-Vance transition team swiftly credited Hegseth with success.
“Today, during the confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, Pete Hegseth evidenced to the American public why President Trump selected him as our next Secretary of Defense,” spokesperson Jake Schneider stated.
Immediately after, Hegseth approached his wife, showering her with a warm kiss and embrace.
A committee vote on Hegseth’s nomination is expected to transpire next week, while a final vote from the full Senate is scheduled for a subsequent date.
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