Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump‘s candidate for Defence Secretary, defended himself during his Senate confirmation hear on Tuesday, pledging to instil a “warrior society” at the Pentagon if confirmed.
Hegseth stressed that his administration had prioritise eagerness, power, and military skill, citing his own knowledge in the Army National Guard as a basis for transforming the government’s culture.
” It’s time to provide people with dust on his shoes the helm”, Hegseth declared, aiming to deliver change to an establishment he sees as bogged down by government.
Despite Hegseth’s army, the reading quickly turned into a fight, as lawmakers questioned him about prior allegations of sexual assault and reviews of excessive eating. Hegseth was asked directly about a 2017 allegation, which he dismissed as part of a” slander plan”. He even responded to questions about his behavior by promising to abstain from alcohol if hired.
Senators expressed concern over Hegseth’s lack of top defense and regional security experience, which is commonly expected from a nominee for the Defence Secretary. Additionally, he was questioned about his earlier opinions on people in battle, which he had softened since being nominated.
On richness, Hegseth opposed current policies, claiming that present diversity and inclusion efforts “divide” the soldiers and do not prioritise validity.
Despite the controversies, Hegseth’s Democratic friends continued to up his nomination, calling him a “breath of new surroundings” and a leader worthy of shaking up the Pentagon.
With a Republican-controlled Senate, Hegseth’s assurance could depend on whether he can get over adequate votes from both parties. The Republican-led Senate worked quickly to verify some of Trump’s nominations before Inauguration Day on January 20. The over four-hour reading marked the start of a weeklong workout.
