The top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services committee struck quickly at Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing for Defense secretary, accusing him of not being qualified for the role.
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), in his opening remarks, said the Pentagon chief is expected to be a nonpartisan, and responsible leader. “I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job.”
Reed and other Democrats are expected to express concerns about Hegseth’s qualifications, citing allegations of misconduct, financial mismanagement, and views on military diversity. He’ll also face questions about allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking.
The Republican leader of the committee, Sen. Roger Wicker, defended the expected nominee. The Mississippi Republican called Hegseth an “excellent choice” who would give the Pentagon’s massive bureaucracy a much-needed shakeup.
“Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional,” Wicker said. “He’s unconventional, just like that New York developer who wrote down the escalator in 2015 to announce his candidacy for president.”
Wicker acknowledged allegations of misconduct against Hegseth, but said most of them have come from “anonymous sources” and contrasted them with allies who have publicly backed his bid for the job.
Hegseth can still be confirmed despite Democrats’ attacks as long as Republicans remain united.
The tenor of the hearing became apparent early. Hegseth’s opening statement was interrupted several times by protestors who were removed from the committee room by Capitol Police.
Hegseth, who spoke confidently, argued Trump picked him because of his unconventional background, saying the president-elect wants a “change agent” at the Pentagon.
“It is true that I don’t have a similar biography to Defense secretaries of the last 30 years. But, as President Trump also told me, we’ve repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly ‘the right credentials’ — whether they are retired generals, academics, or defense contractor executives—and where has it gotten us?” Hegseth told senators.
“He believes, and I humbly agree, that it’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm.”