Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Defense Department, endured a four-hour Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday, fielding questions about his qualifications, personal conduct, and military policy.
Senate Armed Services Committee Democrats criticized Hegseth, alleging that the veteran and former Fox News host held a negative view of women in the military and accused him of degrading female soldiers.
GOP lawmakers and officials praised Hegseth’s temperament and his ability to handle personal attacks while staying on message. Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer described Hegseth as “refreshing” for remaining focused on policy instead of playing politics.
Confirmation hearings will continue through the week with lawmakers scheduled to question Department of Homeland Security candidate Gov. Kristi Noem, Attorney General candidate Pam Bondi, and State Department nominee Sen. Marco Rubio.