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Controversial Figure or Rehabilitated Leader? Trump’s Defense Chief Nominee Pete Hegseth Sidesteps Tough Character Questions | US News


Without a doubt, Pete Hegseth stands out as an unconventional choice. Yet, this uniqueness is exactly why Donald Trump selected him.

As a former Fox News host and National Guard veteran, Hegseth proudly identifies as a “change agent” with strong opinions about the US military—concerning its potential to confront China in an impending conflict and the woke ideologies he perceives as infiltrating its ranks.

The Senate confirmation process for Pete Hegseth proved to be one of the most intense interviews for a high-level government position.

In a grueling four-hour session, he attempted to demonstrate that he is the suitable candidate for the role of US defence secretary, tasked with overseeing a department that employs three million individuals and manages an $8 billion (£6.5 billion) budget, despite his lack of experience in such high-stake leadership.

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Throughout the hearing, his character became a focal point—Democratic Senator Mark Kelly listed claims of instances when Hegseth had been intoxicated and incapacitated. Hegseth countered each claim, labeling them as “anonymous smears.”

When pressed about whether he would respond differently if under oath, he had no reply.

Then came inquiries regarding allegations about his sexual conduct. It was revealed last month that a woman from California accused him of blocking her exit from a hotel room, taking her phone, and sexually assaulting her; however, he was not charged with any crimes related to this claim. 

Hegseth again rejected the assertion as a smear. He likely understands that sexual misconduct is hardly a disqualification in American politics, evidenced by cases involving figures like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.

“Their aim was merely to destroy my reputation,” Hegseth told the committee, “Because I’m a change agent and a threat, empowered by Trump to transform the department toward a focus on combat readiness.”

In his defense, he also emphasized a narrative of personal growth, stating, “I’m not perfect, but redemption is genuine.”

UNITED STATES - JANUARY 14: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, testifies during his Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing in Dirksen building on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)
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Mr Hegseth faced challenges regarding his views on women serving in the military. Pic: AP

“So which narrative is true?” Democratic senators pressed. “A reformed individual? Or a victim of false attacks?”

“All of this is hard to reconcile,” remarked Mr. Kelly.

The core of the hearing revolved around Hegseth’s evolving positions, especially regarding LGBTQ+ individuals and women’s roles in combat.

Only recently, he stated on the Shawn Ryan podcast, “We should outright disallow women in combat roles.”

His recent book, advocating for military reform, even contained a chapter titled: “The Dangerous Obsession with Women Warriors”.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. speaks at the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025... (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Mr. Hegseth about the authenticity of his changed views. Pic: AP

However, Hegseth now claims to support women in frontline positions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining standards without lowering them for quotas.

“I see your last-minute conversion,” remarked one senator—prompting veteran Democrat Elizabeth Warren to pose a significant inquiry.

“If you can change your deeply held convictions so quickly… could you potentially revert to previous stances?” Ms. Warren questioned.

Next, the focus shifted to the degree to which he would execute presidential directives, regardless of their nature.

When asked if he would implement an order to shoot protesters in the leg—referencing Trump’s infamous suggestion regarding Black Lives Matter protesters—Hegseth’s response was noncommittal.

Similarly, inquiries about compliance with a directive to invade Greenland or seize control of the Panama Canal were met with evasiveness.

He reminded questioners that the president was elected by a majority of the American people.

Despite noticeable reservations from many attendees, the numbers appeared to favor his confirmation—Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning he can secure confirmation without Democratic backing as long as he maintains support from at least three Republicans.

The backing for this assertive “agent of change” was clearly portrayed by the Republican members of the Armed Services Committee during the hearing.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., speaks during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
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Republican Senator Kevin Cramer dismissed criticism aimed at Mr. Hegseth. Pic: AP

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“I am embarrassed [by the questioning],” Senator Kevin Cramer expressed. “You bring a refreshing perspective,” another senator added.

Senator Jim Banks thanked Hegseth for his “clarity in expressing a vision for the Department of Defense, aiming to restore a warrior ethos that starkly contrasts the weakness and wokeness seen over the last four years.”

By the conclusion of the hearing, a glimpse into contemporary American politics emerged via social media from prominent Trump supporter Charlie Kirk.

“If any member of the Senate GOP votes against confirming Pete Hegseth after his outstanding performance today, expect a primary challenge. You can take that to the bank.”

Elon Musk, with increasing financial and political influence, responded to the post: “100%.”



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