GOP senator flips script on Dems for ‘hypocritical’ grilling of Hegseth: ‘So ridiculous’
Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, did not hold back during Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, calling out Democratic senators for what he deemed as hypocritical questioning.
Hegseth, nominated by President-elect Trump to lead the Pentagon, faced a barrage of intense inquiries from Democrat members of the Armed Services Committee during the hearing on Tuesday. Mullin wasted no time in criticizing his colleagues across the aisle for questioning Hegseth’s qualifications.
“It’s so hypocritical of senators, especially on the other side, to be talking about his qualifications,” Mullin remarked before launching into his own line of questioning. “And yet your qualifications aren’t any better.”
The Oklahoma Senator specifically pointed to the claims made by Democrats about Hegseth showing up to work intoxicated, allegations that Hegseth vehemently denied. Mullin countered by suggesting that elected members of the Senate had themselves shown up intoxicated to cast votes.
“Senator Kaine, or I guess I better use the senator from Virginia, starts bringing up the fact that, what if you showed up drunk to your job? How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night?” Mullin questioned, eliciting laughter from some in the room. “Have any of you guys asked them to step down and resign from their job? And don’t tell me you haven’t seen it because I know you have.”
Mullin continued to call out Democratic members as Hegseth endured hours of questioning, highlighting the alleged double standards within the Senate. He also pointed out instances of senators getting divorces for cheating on their spouses without facing the same level of scrutiny.
“And then how many senators do you know have got a divorce for cheating on their wives? Did you ask them to step down? No,” Mullin asserted. “You guys make sure you make a big show and point out the hypocrisy because a man’s made a mistake, and you want to sit there and say that he’s not qualified. Give me a break. It is so ridiculous that you guys hold yourself to this higher standard. You forget you’ve got a big plank in your eye.”
Before delving into his questioning, Mullin took a moment to acknowledge Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, for standing by him through the ordeal. He also shared a personal note, revealing that his own wife’s support had kept him out of prison despite past mistakes.
“The only reason why I’m here and not in prison is because my wife loved me too. I have changed, but I’m not perfect,” Mullin admitted.
The contentious exchange between Mullin and Democratic senators during Hegseth’s confirmation hearing underscores the political divide and differing standards of accountability within the Senate. As the confirmation process continues, it remains to be seen how Hegseth’s qualifications and personal history will shape the final decision.
