Donald Trump’s choice for US defence secretary has been accused of lacking the competence for the job, during a much-disrupted Senate confirmation hearing.
Senators are determining whether Pete Hegseth, a former combat veteran and TV news show host, is fit to lead the US military as Mr Trump’s choice for defence secretary.
He is a controversial choice because of past statements and actions, including allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking and derisive views about women in military combat roles and minorities.
Pete Hegseth at the committee hearing. Pic: Reuters
During the hearing – which has been disrupted three protestors – Republican Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: “Mr Hegseth has admitted to falling short as we all do from time to time.”
But he added: “I have no doubt Mr Hegseth will excel in a skill in which many of his predecessors have fallen short.”
In contrast, Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, told Mr Hegseth: “I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job
“Unfortunately, you lack the character and composure and competence to hold the position of defence.”
Mr Reed also commented on the FBI background investigation into Mr Hegseth: “I want to say, for the record, I believe the investigation was insufficient.”
Mr Hegseth’s opening statement was interrupted by protesters, all of whom were escorted from the room.
One could be heard calling Hegseth a “Christian zionist”, moments later another person began shouting about “bombing babies in Gaza”.
Security removed a protester who interrupted Pete Hegseth’s opening statement. Pic: Reuters
When Mr Hegseth addressed the committee he spoke about why he thought president-elect Donald Trump chose him for the position.
He said: “The primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the department of defence.
“He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser focussed on lethality, meritocracy, warfare, fighting, accountability and readiness to stop bombing that night in our homeland.”
Another Democrat on the committee, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, questioned Mr Hegseth about past comments suggesting women should not serve in combat roles.
Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen focussed on comments Mr Hegseth has made about women serving in the military. Pic: Reuters
He said that, over time, the US military had seen an erosion of “certain duty positions, certain schools, certain places, which affects readiness, which is what I care about the most, readiness.”
Mr Hegseth added that he would be “honoured” to serve alongside “men and women, black, white, all backgrounds with a shared purpose” and he would treat women and minorities fairly if he was confirmed for the job.
Mrs Shaheen replied: “I appreciate your 11th-hour conversion.”
But he added that he would review military standards that prioritise gender or race.
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