Pete Hegseth heads to Capitol Hill for fiery hearing on his record, plans to shake up Pentagon

Pete Hegseth is gearing up to face the Senate Armed Services Committee in what is expected to be a contentious and high-stakes hearing. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Hegseth to shake up the Pentagon as his defense secretary, but the former Fox News host is facing scrutiny over a series of controversies that Democrats on the committee are sure to question him about.

According to Republican and Democrat aides, the hearing is unlikely to be a smooth ride for Hegseth. Democrats are anticipated to be organized and strategic in their approach, focusing on his character, leadership, and past actions. They are expected to probe into his qualifications to lead the Defense Department, which employs millions of people.

Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is facing questions about a sexual assault accusation from 2017. He has denied any non-consensual sex took place but acknowledged paying his accuser to keep quiet. Additionally, former employees at veterans’ groups he used to run have accused him of financial mismanagement and excessive drinking.

In an effort to secure votes, Hegseth has been meeting with senators, including those who are skeptical of his nomination. However, a meeting with Sen. Jack Reed, the top Armed Services Committee Democrat, did not go well, raising more questions about Hegseth’s qualifications.

The hearing, scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., is expected to draw a crowd of veterans who support Hegseth. He will need to win a majority in a vote of the Armed Services Committee and then secure a simple majority on the Senate floor to be confirmed as Defense Secretary. With little hope of winning Democrat votes, Hegseth will need to focus on wooing moderate Republicans.

One of the key points of contention is Hegseth’s past comments on women in combat roles. He has expressed beliefs that women should not serve in combat units, stating that men are biologically stronger. However, he later clarified his comments, stating that women are some of the U.S.’s greatest warriors.

As the hearing approaches, all eyes will be on Sen. Joni Ernst, a veteran herself, who initially seemed hesitant about Hegseth’s nomination. Senators will closely examine his record of public comments and written works, including his views on women in the military.

Overall, Hegseth faces an uphill battle in the confirmation process, with both Democrats and Republicans scrutinizing his qualifications and past actions. The outcome of the hearing will have significant implications for the future of the Defense Department under the Trump administration.