Trump's Defense Pick Pete Hegseth Faces Tough Senate Confirmation Hearing

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, is set to face a challenging Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The hearing, scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. ET, will be held before the Senate Armed Services Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill. The hearing will be streamed live on CBS News and can be watched in the player above or on the CBS News app.

Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News Channel weekend host, has faced intense scrutiny over his personal life, level of experience, and controversial stances. A handful of Republicans have expressed concern about Hegseth's ability to lead the Pentagon, while Democrats are expected to grill him over allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking.

The hearing comes as Trump's team races to get his Cabinet picks approved soon after his return to the White House next week. With a 53-seat majority and only a simple majority needed for confirmation, a few defectors could derail the process for more controversial picks like Hegseth.



Hegseth's past statements on women in combat have raised concerns among Democrats and some Republicans. In 2017, he stated on Fox News that "women are physiologically less capable than men" and that they should not serve in combat roles. During the hearing, Democrats on the committee, including female veterans like Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), are expected to question Hegseth on his views regarding women in combat. Hegseth has attempted to clarify his position, stating in December 2024 that "if we have the right standard and women meet that standard, roger. Let’s go." However, his past statements may continue to cast a shadow over his confirmation and, if confirmed, his leadership at the Pentagon.

The sexual assault allegation against Hegseth is expected to play a significant role in the hearing. In 2017, a woman accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her at a Republican women's banquet in Monterey, California. According to a police report, the woman told police that Hegseth took her phone, blocked the door to a hotel room, and sexually assaulted her despite her protests. Hegseth has maintained that the encounter was consensual and has denied the allegations. However, the fact that he settled the case out of court with a nondisclosure agreement has raised questions about the validity of his denials. During the hearing, Democratic senators are expected to press Hegseth on the specifics of the allegation, his response to it, and the settlement he reached with the alleged victim.

Hegseth's limited management experience and allegations of financial mismanagement at Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) could also impact his confirmation chances. Democrats have expressed skepticism about Hegseth's qualifications, with Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) stating, "We need a serious candidate, one that is capable of doing this job." Hegseth's lack of experience could lead some senators to question his ability to effectively manage the Pentagon and make critical decisions regarding the military's budget, personnel, and operations. The allegations of financial mismanagement at CVA could raise concerns about Hegseth's fiscal responsibility and his ability to manage the Defense Department's budget effectively. During the hearing, Democrats are expected to press Hegseth on these allegations and provide reassurance that he has learned from any past mistakes.

In conclusion, Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing for defense secretary is expected to be contentious, with Democrats and some Republicans questioning his qualifications, past statements on women in combat, and allegations of sexual assault and financial mismanagement. Hegseth will need to address these concerns directly and convincingly to gain the support of senators and secure his confirmation. The outcome of the hearing will have significant implications for Trump's administration and the future of the Defense Department.