Democrats assail Hegseth as too divisive, inexperienced to run Pentagon

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Posted on 01/14/2025 1:05:33 PM PST by E. Pluribus Unum

During a contentious hearing, Donald Trump’s pick for defense chief dismissed allegations of past misconduct and tried to clarify his views on women in the military.

Senate Democrats on Tuesday hammered Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, in an early test of Republican loyalty as lawmakers take up the incoming administration’s slate of unconventional and contentious cabinet picks.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and soldier in the Army National Guard, has written and commented extensively on his beliefs that Democrats are “America-wreckers,” that women do not belong in combat, and that international laws meant to limit civilian casualties are a hindrance to successful war-fighting.

His selection also has been plagued by claims of alleged misconduct, ranging from an alleged sexual assault in 2017 to accusations of financial mismanagement, excessive drinking and sexism in his previous jobs — all of which he denies.

“The totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the secretary of defense,” Sen. Jack Reed (Rhode Island), the Senate Armed Services Committee’s top Democrat, said during his opening remarks.

Tuesday’s hearing quickly became a heated, rhetorical battle along partisan lines — marked at times by raised voices — as Democrats repeatedly quoted Hegseth’s divisive past statements and Republicans mounted a vocal defense of his record, offered him opportunities to clarify controversial views, and chastised Democrats for “hypocrisy” and being “ignorant of the facts.”

There was little time overall spent examining the details of Hegseth’s strategy for meeting the complex threats that America faces from Russia, China, Iran and other adversaries.

Prior to his work at Fox, Hegseth led small numbers of troops while deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and had presided briefly over two veterans advocacy...

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...

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