Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth will appear at a high-stakes Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday as he seeks to overcome expected Democratic scrutiny over his qualifications to lead the Pentagon, the nation’s largest government agency. It’s planned.
The hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee is also likely to focus on Hegseth’s recent allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse.
The 44-year-old Army veteran and former Fox News host may also have to defend himself against allegations that he mismanaged a nonprofit organization run by two veterans several years ago.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. ET.
President-elect Donald Trump supports Mr. Hegseth, who has denied the allegations.
He denied being kicked out of a group of two veterans and said he would not drink if confirmed as defense secretary.
On December 5, 2024, Secretary of Defense candidate Pete Hegseth and U.S. Senator-elect Jim Banks (R-Indiana) meet at the Capitol in Washington, United States.
Evelyn HochsteinReuter
He also denies allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman at a hotel in 2017 while at Fox. An investigation by police in Monterey, California, ended without charges against Hegseth. Hegseth’s lawyer, who has repeatedly maintained that the accusations are false, confirmed that Hegseth had reached a confidential settlement with the woman.
The district attorney later said she did not press charges because “the charges were not supported by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.”
In prepared opening remarks shared with NBC News, Hegseth did not address the controversy surrounding his alleged personal conduct.
But he defends his resume and leadership credentials, saying he is “incredibly proud” of the work he has done for nonprofits.
Mr. Hegseth served tours at Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan, but has significantly less senior military and government experience than other recent Pentagon leaders. For example, current Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has more than 40 years of military experience and served as commander of U.S. Central Command.
“It is true that I do not have the same background as the Secretary of Defense over the past 30 years,” Hegseth’s opening statement said.
“But as President Trump has told me, we have repeatedly promoted people with the ‘right qualifications’ to top positions at the Pentagon, whether they are retired generals, academics or defense contractor executives.” “But where has it led us?” it says.
The revelations about Hegseth sparked speculation that Hegseth would be Trump’s second choice to resign after former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz abandoned his bid for attorney general.
But some Republicans have reportedly indicated in recent days that they believe Hegseth has enough support to pass the Armed Services Committee and be confirmed by the Senate. .
The circumstances of Mr. Hegseth’s nomination have been compared to the dramatic Senate hearings centered on sexual assault allegations against Mr. Trump’s second Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.
Kavanaugh, who vehemently denied these accusations, was confirmed by a 50-48 vote.
This is developing news. Please check back for the latest information.
