- Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, attempted to convince senators on Tuesday, Jan. 14, that he can be trusted to run the Pentagon despite his controversial past
- Hegseth fought off allegations of misconduct, sexual assault and alcohol abuse — many of which resurfaced in the time since President-elect Donald Trump nominated him
- Hegseth claimed the allegations were “anonymous, false charges,” but Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand stated that he “will have to change how you see women to do this job well,” adding, “and I don’t know if you are capable of that”
Pete Hegseth faced a tense and polarized Senate on Tuesday while they interrogated his ability to become the next defense secretary.
As senators probed into a long history of accusations against him, Hegseth fought off allegations of misconduct, sexual assault and alcohol abuse — many of which resurfaced in the time since President-elect Donald Trump nominated him.
Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, brought up the allegations of sexual assault, as well as an accusation that he drunkenly chanted “kill all Muslims” at a work event and another allegation that he brought colleagues to a strip club.
In response, Hegseth claimed the allegations were “anonymous, false charges,” though Kaine was prepared with names of numerous accusers.
“You claim that this is all anonymous — we have seen records with names attached to all of these, including your own mother,” Kaine said.
He added, “So don’t make this into some ‘anonymous’ press thing. We have seen multiple names of colleagues, consistently throughout your career, that have talked about your abusive actions.”
Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona raised similar concerns, and when Hegseth responded repeatedly with “anonymous smears,” Kelly grew frustrated.
“It’s clear to me that you’re not being honest with us or the American people because you know the truth would disqualify you from getting the job,” Kelly said.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York addressed another major point of contention surrounding Hegseth: his past claims that women should not be allowed to serve in the military. Gillibrand read Hegseth his own quotes, including “We need moms, but not in the military — especially in combat units.”
“You will have to change how you see women to do this job well,” she said, “and I don’t know if you are capable of that.”
However, Republican Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin came to Hegseth’s defense when Democrats responded harshly to his past infidelity and on-the-job intoxication. Mullin asked Democrats if they had ever demanded that other members of the governing body resign on grounds of adultery or being drunk during votes.
Also during the hearing, Hegseth would not confirm or deny that he would authorize military force in Denmark, a member of NATO, amid Trump’s renewed interest in buying Greenland. He also failed to list any of the countries part of ASEAN — the Association of Southeast Asian Nations when asked by Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois. Hegseth often answered claims of past wrongdoing by stating he’s been saved by Christianity.
Despite a harsh response from Democratic senators, Hegseth appeared to win over Republicans in the chamber. He was seen in good spirits leaving the floor, shaking hands with supporters and patting them on the back.
Pete Hegseth.
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty
Hegseth, a former personality on Fox News’ Fox & Friends and a past military officer, was nominated by Trump in November. Since then, his nomination has been characterized by resurfaced scandals and allegations against him.
A police report about an alleged sexual assault in 2017 resurfaced, in which Hegseth was accused. Though he was never charged in connection to the incident, CNN reported that Hegseth entered into a settlement agreement with his accuser, which included a payment and confidentiality clause.
The sexual assault allegations seemingly prompted other old complaints of his behavior and conduct. His mother, Penelope Hegseth, wrote a 2018 email to her son condemning his “despicable” behavior, The New York Timesreported.
“You are an abuser of women — that is the ugly truth and I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around, and uses women for his own power and ego,” she wrote, adding, “You are that man (and have been for years) and as your mother, it pains me and embarrasses me to say that, but it is the sad, sad truth.”
Penelope later told the Times that just after sending the email, she sent another to apologize for speaking to him “in anger, with emotion.” In the interview, she rescinded the sentiments initially expressed in the initial email and claimed her son was “a good father, husband.”
Pete Hegseth in 2014.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call
On Dec. 1, two non-profit organizations where Hegseth held leadership roles shared past grievances against him. The New Yorkerreported he was allegedly ousted from both due to drunkenness, financial mismanagement and fostering uncomfortable environments for women.
Amid the compounding scandal, Hegseth met with many senators in early December in an attempt to salvage his nomination, The New York Times reported. While many Republicans withheld support for the former Fox News host, Trump remained steadfast in his defense secretary pick.
“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Dec. 6. “He was a great student — Princeton/Harvard educated — with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”
