The Latest: Pete Hegseth delivers opening remarks in his defense secretary confirmation hearing
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Donald Trump’s cabinet picks are beginning their nomination process this week, starting with Trump’s choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. The hearing opened Tuesday as senators question whether the former combat veteran and TV news show host is fit to lead the U.S. military.
Here's the latest:. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen asked multiple questions about Hegseth’s stances on women in the military. Just after her questions, committee chair Sen. Roger Wicker motioned to introduce five testimonials from women who had served in the military in support of Hegseth’s nomination.
Hegseth was combative in the face of questions from Democrat Ranking Member Reed. Hegseth often talked past Reed’s questions and refused to defer to the senior member as he tried to get his questions answered. In one particular exchange, Hegseth scoffed as Reed asked him to explain what a “JAG Off” was — responding to Reed that “I don’t think I need to” because troops knew what it was. Only after further pressure from Reed did Hegseth say it was a military lawyer who “put their own priorities in front of the warfighters.”.
Would Hegseth be the first defense secretary who’s been on the font lines in combat?. The argument that Hegseth would be the first door-kicker or service member to serve on the front lines in combat to become defense secretary has continued to evolve and become far more specific.
