Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, underwent a hearing in the Senate: scandals, questions, non-confirmation
16 january 2025 в 02:13
Pete Hegseth, a candidate for the position of Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense, attended hearings for his confirmation before the Senate Armed Services Committee on January 14, 2025. During the televised session, the former Fox & Friends weekend host was questioned about his past scandals, including allegations of sexual harassment, infidelity, and others. Thus, the question remains: was Hegseth, 44 years old, confirmed for a leadership position in the Pentagon for the Trump presidency? Find out below.
No, Hegseth has not been confirmed as the US Secretary of Defense yet. He opened the hearings on January 15, thanking the committee members for the opportunity to answer their questions.
«If confirmed, I look forward to working with this committee — senators from both parties — to ensure the security of our nation», - Hegseth said in his opening statement. The former National Guard officer also acknowledged that he does not have the same background as the defense secretaries of the past 30 years.
«But, as President Trump told me, we have consistently appointed people to the top of the Pentagon with supposedly 'right credentials' - whether retired generals, scientists, or defense company executives — and where has that led us?» Hegseth pushed the committee, adding, «He believes, and I humbly agree, that it is time to give a chance to someone with dust on their boots. Someone who has no vested interest in specific companies or programs or approved narratives».
It is unclear when — or if at all — Hegseth will be confirmed for a leadership position in the Pentagon. The Senate Armed Services Committee appears to be divided on his confirmation, as several members questioned Hegseth about his controversial remarks on women in the military.
Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Jeanne Shaheen pointed out various past remarks made by Hegseth in which he doubted women’s ability to join combat operations. In response, Hegseth insisted, «I respect every female service member who has worn the uniform, past and present. My critics, senator, recent and past, come from instances where I saw standards lowered [for women wanting to join combat operations]».
Senator Tim Kaine even brought up Hegseth’s past infidelity, noting, «You admitted to having an affair while married to your second wife, after just becoming a father to a child with your third wife», - referring to Hegseth’s second wife, Samantha Deering, and his current wife, Jennifer Rauch.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1−800−656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, impartial support, as well as local resources to help with healing, recovery, and more
No, Hegseth has not been confirmed as the US Secretary of Defense yet. He opened the hearings on January 15, thanking the committee members for the opportunity to answer their questions.
«If confirmed, I look forward to working with this committee — senators from both parties — to ensure the security of our nation», - Hegseth said in his opening statement. The former National Guard officer also acknowledged that he does not have the same background as the defense secretaries of the past 30 years.
«But, as President Trump told me, we have consistently appointed people to the top of the Pentagon with supposedly 'right credentials' - whether retired generals, scientists, or defense company executives — and where has that led us?» Hegseth pushed the committee, adding, «He believes, and I humbly agree, that it is time to give a chance to someone with dust on their boots. Someone who has no vested interest in specific companies or programs or approved narratives».
It is unclear when — or if at all — Hegseth will be confirmed for a leadership position in the Pentagon. The Senate Armed Services Committee appears to be divided on his confirmation, as several members questioned Hegseth about his controversial remarks on women in the military.
Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Jeanne Shaheen pointed out various past remarks made by Hegseth in which he doubted women’s ability to join combat operations. In response, Hegseth insisted, «I respect every female service member who has worn the uniform, past and present. My critics, senator, recent and past, come from instances where I saw standards lowered [for women wanting to join combat operations]».
Senator Tim Kaine even brought up Hegseth’s past infidelity, noting, «You admitted to having an affair while married to your second wife, after just becoming a father to a child with your third wife», - referring to Hegseth’s second wife, Samantha Deering, and his current wife, Jennifer Rauch.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1−800−656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, impartial support, as well as local resources to help with healing, recovery, and more
© Kolganov Andrey
