On Jan. 14, Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faced fierce questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing. Hegseth requires Senate confirmation to secure the position, meaning that he needs at least 51 votes to be confirmed. In a Republican majority of 53-47, it’s likely Hegseth will pass, although this does not mean that his Senate confirmation hearing was easy.
As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth would lead the Pentagon. The Secretary of Defense acts as the principal defense policymaker and adviser. The position entails overseeing U.S. armed forces and being second as the commander in chief, behind the president.
A large section of his hearing focused on his controversial comments about women in the military.
“Dads push us to take risks. Moms put the training wheels on our bikes. We need moms. But not in the military, especially in combat units,” he said.
His message before Congress on his beliefs about women in the military was different, and Democrats were sure to bring this point up.
“There’s a 32-day period in which you suddenly have another description about your views of women in the military, “ Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said. “And I just want to know, what changed in the 32 days that the song you sang is not the song you come in here today to sing?”
“Senator, the concerns I have and the concerns that many have had, especially in ground combat units, is that in pursuit of certain percentages or quotes, standards have been changed,” Hegseth answered.
“Let me make a suggestion about what happened in that 32 days,” Warren replied. “You got a nomination from President Trump.”
In response to his previous comments, Hegseth explained that “writing a book is different than being secretary of defense.” Hegseth emphasized the difference between his past statements from the past and his future position.
Hegseth also faced allegations of sexual assault. He acknowledged paying a settlement to his accuser, however, Hegseth explained this as a baseless accusation.
“The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared,” he said.
Additionally, Senators brought up reports of Hegseth regularly drinking on the job during his employment at Fox News. Hegseth denied all reports of excessive drinking. Some Republicans defended Hegseth following allegations.
“How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night? … How many senators have gotten a divorce for cheating? It is so ridiculous that you guys hold yourself to this higher standard and you forget you got a big plank in your eye. We’ve all made mistakes,” Sen. Markwayne Mullins (R-OK) said.
Hegseth refused to commit to resigning from the position if he hypothetically broke his no-drinking pledge.
These confirmation hearings allow for opposition to “grill” cabinet members before assuming their positions. Some see it as a rite of passage, claiming that cabinet members need to face a little heat before beginning their job.
Above all, these Senate confirmation hearings are wildly entertaining and show a theatrical side of U.S. politics. Some popcorn makes listening to these hearings a comedic treat.
