Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, acknowledged Tuesday that he is “not a perfect person” but faces multiple allegations over his past conduct during a controversial confirmation hearing. took a rebellious attitude in the face of
Here are some points.
Democrats pressed Hegseth on sexual assault charges. Sen. Maisie Hirono, D-Hawaii, pressed Mr. Hegseth about the 2017 sexual assault investigation, saying he had previously faced disciplinary action or settlements related to physical harassment and assault of a sexual nature. I asked if there was one.
“I was falsely accused in October 2017, but it was thoroughly investigated and completely exonerated,” Hegseth said.
“I don’t think ‘complete clean-up’ is accurate,” Hirono responded, noting that lawyers said they had signed non-disclosure agreements with the accusers as part of the settlement.
Hegseth also denied allegations of drinking on the job, but Democrats pressed him to refrain from drinking if he was in charge of the Pentagon.
Democrats also pressed Mr. Hegseth over his comments about women in combat. Several Democratic lawmakers questioned whether Hegseth would give military women a fair chance if she were in charge of the Pentagon, citing her past public comments and writing in a 2023 book about women in the military. He asked questions and asked for answers.
Hegseth told Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand that she had “never disrespected” women in the military, said she had “personal experience” of lowered standards, and wrote her book “War on War.” I gave an example that I heard from someone while writing the book. About the Warriors. ”
But he did not mention any specific instances in which standards were lowered to include women in the force at Gillibrand’s request.
There were no fireworks from Ernst during the interrogation. In perhaps the best sign of Hegseth’s potential confirmation, Republican Sen. Jody Ernst’s question was met with no fireworks, suggesting she and Hegseth have privately resolved many of their initial concerns. The flow of questions was as follows.
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