Pete Hegseth denies allegations of misconduct during fiery Senate hearing

Apart from Matt Gaetzperhaps it wasn’t Donald Trump a candidate with as difficult a path to approval as Pete Hegseth. Shortly after the president-elect announced him as his pick for defense secretary, the former Fox News host was disturbed by the publication of a sexual assault accusation (which he denies) as well as reports of his alleged professional misconduct and drinking at work. (The nominee has he claimed that he “never had a drinking problem”).

Hegseth’s disturbing comments and writings about women and LGBTQ Americans in the military have also been circulated, raising concerns not only from Democratic lawmakers but also some Republicans. A military veteran turned TV star “wouldn’t have a job,” a GOP senator said Joni Ernsta veteran who spoke openly about her experiences as a survivor of sexual violence. His mother in a 2018 email appeared at the end of last yearscolded the candidate for his treatment of women (and then withdrew his comments when they became public).

As the confirmation process began on Tuesday, Hegseth repeatedly avoided addressing the specific allegations against him, claiming instead that he was the victim of an “anonymous smear campaign” and that his only fault was that he was human. “I’m not a perfect person,” Hegseth told senators, “but redemption is real and God has shaped me in a way that I know I’m prepared for, and I’m honored by the people who stand and sit behind me and watch. We look forward to leading.” to the Pentagon on behalf of the soldiers.” The more disgusting accusations, he said, are just part of a political hit, similar to the one Trump has long said he has faced. “They just wanted to destroy me,” Hegseth declared.

As expected, the hearing was tumultuous: protesters disturbed proceedings on several points, and Democrats tried to corner Hegseth based on the allegations against him, some of which were true First detailed By Vanity fairown Gabriel Sherman.

“Mr. Hegseth, I don’t think you’re right for this job.” Jack Reedranking member of the Armed Services Committee, he said nominated. “You are no longer active Fox and friends,” he said Mazie Hironowho criticized Hegseth for his alleged drinking habits, as well as Trump’s suggestions that he would use the military to control US citizens and annex Greenland. “If confirmed, your words, deeds and decisions will have a real impact on national security and the lives of our soldiers,” she added.

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During a particularly sensitive interrogation, Tim Kaine not only did he rebuke Hegseth’s claim that he had been “cleared” of sexual assault allegations that he had settled with a non-disclosure agreement, but he suggested that the marriage vows he had so openly broken demonstrated his poor judgment. “Don’t make this some anonymous press release,” Kaine said, noting that senators have seen the names of former colleagues who have leveled other allegations of misconduct against him.

The military deserves “a leader who can lead it, not a leader who wants to lower his own standards.” Tammy Duckworthcombat veteran, he said after interviewing the candidate. “Have you overcome your personal problems or are you the target of a smear campaign?” Mark Kelly– asked the retired Navy captain bluntly. “You can’t be both.”