Dem senator ripped for invoking Hegseth’s young daughter in ‘despicable’ confirmation hearing exchange
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., faced backlash on social media after invoking Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth’s daughter during a heated confirmation hearing. Kaine questioned Hegseth about his behavior in previous marriages, including an incident in 2017 where he was accused of sexual assault in Monterey, California. Hegseth was later cleared of wrongdoing after an investigation.
During the hearing, Kaine pressed Hegseth on his definition of being “completely cleared” despite his actions in his past marriages. Kaine brought up the fact that Hegseth had fathered a child with a woman who was not his wife just two months before the hearing. Hegseth defended himself, stating that he was grateful for his daughter and his current marriage to an “amazing woman.”
The exchange between Kaine and Hegseth became tense as Kaine continued to question Hegseth about the allegations against him and whether he honored his wedding vows. Hegseth maintained his innocence and insisted that he was not claiming to be a perfect person.
Conservatives on social media criticized Kaine for bringing up Hegseth’s daughter during the hearing, with some calling his actions “despicable” and pointing out perceived hypocrisy in Kaine’s own past. Despite the pushback, Kaine continued to question Hegseth about other allegations, including his relationship with drinking.
Kaine’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the backlash. The hearing highlighted the contentious nature of Hegseth’s confirmation process and the scrutiny he faced over his past behavior. The rewritten article maintains the original details and key points while providing a fresh perspective on the events of the hearing.
