Culture wars and personal controversies are poised to take center stage during the confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. The hearing is set for Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time before the Senate Armed Services Committee, marking Hegseth as the first of Trump’s Cabinet selections to face questioning from Congress.
Hegseth, a former Fox News anchor and Army combat veteran, will be introduced by Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., who is Trump’s incoming national security adviser, along with former Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn. In his prepared remarks, Hegseth aims to emphasize his commitment to “restore the warrior ethos,” “rebuild our military,” and “re-establish deterrence,” asserting that military matters should remain above partisan politics. “We are not Republicans or Democrats — we are American warriors,” he plans to say.
Despite his strong ambitions, Hegseth’s candidacy has not been without contention. He faces allegations of sexual assault and financial mismanagement from his time leading a veterans’ advocacy organization, all of which he denies. His previous stances against women and openly gay individuals serving in combat roles have also drawn scrutiny, although he claims to have moderated these views.
Additionally, some senators have raised concerns about Hegseth’s management qualifications to direct a military apparatus comprising over 2.1 million personnel and an $800 billion budget. Nonetheless, Trump has publicly supported Hegseth, with Republican colleagues asserting commitment to push his nomination through, despite anticipated opposition from Democrats and potentially skeptical GOP members, such as Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.
Hegseth’s confirmation process could prove contentious, particularly given a 2017 sexual assault allegation that he has claimed was consensual. Although he has faced accusations from a former staffer regarding an incident in California, Hegseth’s mother has recently retracted her criticisms, calling him a “changed man,” and offering her support for his nomination.
As Democrats prepare to challenge Hegseth vigorously, Senators from both parties state they have found their discussions with him to be productive. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has acknowledged the seriousness of Hegseth’s issues and has promised that the hearing will be challenging but fair.
This hearing will serve as a barometer for how the Senate will handle congressional oversight of Trump’s selections, particularly in the presence of serious allegations, as both parties navigate the sensitive political landscape ahead of the inauguration. Despite the challenges ahead, Hegseth’s support from Trump’s allies signals a push to solidify a defense leadership despite the controversies that may unfold.
In a broader context, this hearing might set important precedents for how senior military appointments are evaluated and confirmed in the future, highlighting the existing tension between personal conduct and political allegiance in the realm of governance.