Democrats dial up pressure on Hegseth as confirmation battle nears [View all]

Source: Washington Post

Updated January 7, 2025 at 8:11 p.m. EST


The record of Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Pentagon, should disqualify him for such a pivotal national security role, a Democratic senator told the former Fox News personality in an expansive letter that illustrates the party’s breadth of concern with one of the president-elect’s most controversial Cabinet picks ahead of his confirmation hearing next week.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, outlined 10 areas of concern in her letter, posing more than 70 questions for Hegseth in what appears to be a preview of Democrats’ approach when they interrogate his qualifications, past conduct and beliefs.

The letter highlights allegations of heavy drinking and sexual misconduct, remarks suggesting female military personnel should play a more limited role, his past skepticism about the need for U.S. troops to comply with laws of war, and accusations of financial mismanagement arising from the veterans’ organizations he once led.

Hegseth has vehemently denied claims of wrongdoing.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/01/07/pete-hegseth-elizabeth-warren-confirmation-hearing/