Hegseth denies allegations, focuses on Indo-Pacific strategy
Pete Hegseth, the candidate for Secretary of Defense, denied allegations of harassment and alcohol abuse during his Senate hearing. He focused on plans for the Indo-Pacific region, avoiding clear answers about the war in Ukraine.
During the Senate hearing, Pete Hegseth, a candidate for Secretary of Defense, firmly denied allegations of sexual assault and alcohol abuse. Hegseth, a well-known Fox News presenter, is one of the more controversial candidates for key roles in Donald Trump's cabinet.
Accusations and defense
During the hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth addressed accusations about his behavior, asserting they are the result of a "coordinated smear campaign."
- Our left-wing media in America today, sadly, doesn't care about the truth. All they were out to do was to destroy me because I’m a change agent and a threat to them. Despite the attacks, I stand committed to the truth and our warfighters (...) It is true that I don’t have a similar biography to Defense secretaries of the last 30 years. But, as President Trump also told me, we’ve repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly ‘the right credentials’ — whether they are retired generals, academics, or defence contractor executives — and where has it gotten us? - Hegseth stated, citing support from former colleagues.
Most of the senators' questions concerned his resume and alleged lack of qualifications. When asked by Senator Mark Kelly whether the alleged incidents—including that he was carried out unconscious several times during official events—actually happened, he only said that they are "anonymous slander" though only some of the complaints were anonymous.
Hegseth admitted that he is not "perfect" but assured that he has reformed and was "saved by the grace of God, by Jesus and Jenny," his third wife. He also pledged not to consume alcohol.
Hegseth's priorities
Hegseth announced that his priority would be strengthening the military industry and confronting China. He plans to shift focus from Europe and the Middle East to Asia, concentrating on the Indo-Pacific region. - First and foremost, we will defend our homeland—our borders and our skies - he emphasized.
He also noted that he would focus on returning to the military's "lethality" and restoring the "warrior ethos."
When asked about his approach to the war in Ukraine, Hegseth said that it is a "presidential-level" decision and that Donald Trump has clearly stated he wants to end this conflict. - We know who the aggressor is. We know who the good guy is. We want this to be as beneficial as possible for the Ukrainians. But this war needs to end - he added.
Republican support
Despite initial signs of opposition from some Republican senators, Hegseth is likely to secure the necessary majority votes for his nomination. All Republican senators on the committee signaled support for him, including Joni Ernst, a military veteran. On Wednesday, other Trump nominees, including Marco Rubio and John Ratcliffe, will be heard.