Donald Trump's controversial choice to run the Pentagon lashed out against a “blasphemous” campaign and “incendiary” policies that he said are weakening the US military during heated questioning on Tuesday.
Pete Hegseth faced the Senate committee at times as he tried to counter allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse that have dogged the former Fox News host since Trump nominated him as his defense secretary.
In a four-hour debate on Capitol Hill, Hegseth mocked the “leftist media” and “unknown sources” for what he said was a coordinated effort to prevent him from getting involved in the next president's administration.
“There was a coordinated smear campaign organized in the media. . . “A lot of it was about President Donald Trump, who was going through the same thing,” Hegseth said. Later, he said he had been “fully investigated and fully cleared”, calling the allegations “false allegations”.
The hearing provided the first taste of the expected bombshell as several of Trump's controversial government appointees come before The Senatewhich must vote to approve them.
The former soldier, wearing a blue suit decorated with a pocket square of the American flag, entered the room to a standing ovation from the audience and chants of “USA, USA, USA”.
“You've got yourself, Petey,” someone shouted from the rows of men in black “Hegseth” caps as the nominee entered. Four people were removed from the discussion room during Hegseth's opening, many of them shouting about the war in Gaza.
Other Trump cabinet nominees, including controversial picks such as Robert F Kennedy Jr to run the health department and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, are scheduled to appear on the floor of Congress in the coming weeks.
Hegseth was expected to face a tough confirmation process, but Republican senators, who control the chamber's armed services committee, appeared ready to give the ex-soldier the nod, hanging him up for a vote by the full Senate.
Republicans also hold a majority in the Senate, making the committee stage the most important obstacle.
Washington will look to Republican Senator Joni Ernst's vote on the committee, because she had previously expressed concern about Hegseth's view of women in combat roles and sexual assault in the military.
On Tuesday, Ernst, a former soldier, said he and Hegseth had a “productive” and “candid” conversation before the trial. During the program, she told Hegseth that she wants to ensure that every woman gets the chance to serve their country “and do so at any level”.
Hegseth replied that women “will have access to combat roles in the world, as the standards are always high”, and committed to appointing a senior officer dedicated to the prevention of sexual assaults and accountability.
Hegseth served in the National Guard but most recently was a host on Fox News, where he became known for criticizing the “resurgence” in the military and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. DEI policies in the military are “divisive forces” and force “administrators to walk on eggshells”, Hegseth said at the hearing.
“Awakening does not come from uniforms. . . but in the political class,” he said, adding that the soldiers would “welcome” the change in policy.
The conservative firebrand took delight in writing that women were doing better than men in combat roles, and had heated exchanges with Democratic senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren on the issue.
“When I talk about this issue, it's not about the skills of men and women. It's about standards” that have been “destroyed”, Hegseth said.
I don't believe he is qualified to meet the demands beyond this job,” Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, told Hegseth. “You lack the character and composure to hold office.”
Reed said the case had “confirmed” his fears about Hegseth, saying he was “the best person to be defense secretary in modern history”.
Hegseth's surprise choice for the Pentagon's top job initially shocked some lawmakers in Congress, including Republicans, and prompted Trump to briefly consider other options.
“Pete Hegseth will be the Secretary of Defense.” You have my full and complete support. Good luck today, Pete! Trump posted on his social media platform ahead of the confirmation test.
Trump's national security adviser appointee Mike Waltz brought Hegseth to the hearing and urged senators to confirm him.
“Frankly, this election is unusual,” agreed Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker. But he called Hegseth an “excellent choice” and likened the nominee to Trump.
Top Senate Republicans have indicated they believe Hegseth has the votes to become defense secretary. Senate Chief Whip John Barrasso told CBS News on Sunday that the program is “moving in the right direction”.