WASHINGTON — If Pete Hegseth were currently serving in the military, his acknowledged extramarital affairs and a past instance of dismissing a combat commander’s orders might have faced legal repercussions under military law. This situation is provoking concerns among both current and former military leaders about his suitability to maintain discipline among the ranks should he be confirmed as the defense secretary under President-elect Donald Trump. Hegseth would be responsible for enforcing conduct standards for over 2 million military personnel, many of whom could face disciplinary action for similar behaviors that he has admitted to or been accused of in the past.
Hegseth, a 44-year-old veteran of the Army National Guard and a former weekend host at Fox News Channel, has publicly acknowledged his involvement in multiple extramarital relationships, which occurred during his time in the military as indicated by divorce documents. He has also stated that he instructed his troops to disregard directives regarding engagement rules with potential enemies. Both actions are violations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and could lead to court-martial and dishonorable discharge for service members. In addition, Hegseth has faced scrutiny regarding his past alcohol consumption, which could have also resulted in disciplinary action had it occurred while he was a service member.
Despite the complexities surrounding his background, Hegseth has garnered support from certain veterans’ organizations, which argue that his past mistakes are less critical than his ability to lead and enhance military preparedness. Four defense officials indicated that Hegseth’s history has raised concerns among senior military officers, as the role of defense secretary often requires oversight of military leaders involved in misconduct cases—such as infidelity or disobeying orders. Service members typically expect their leaders to serve as role models and adhere to similarly high standards of conduct.
“Character is everything in an institution,” stated former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who was part of the Obama administration and a longtime senator. “It cannot be understated how vital character is for leadership.” Although it is uncommon for military personnel to face discipline purely for consensual relationships, such matters are often part of larger incidents that can disrupt a unit’s discipline or command structure, particularly cases involving fraternization or relationships with subordinates’ spouses.
Hegseth’s confirmation hearing in the Senate is expected to address these concerns and will serve as an early indication of Trump’s capacity to secure loyalty within a narrow Republican majority. Recently, Senator Elizabeth Warren, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Hegseth asking him to clarify several issues related to his past conduct. She expressed significant worries regarding the implications of his behavior and public statements on his fitness for leading the Department of Defense.
When questioned about his capability to enforce UCMJ discipline in light of his own actions, Hegseth replied on a talk show that his responsibility is to adhere to UCMJ standards. He has also committed to refraining from drinking while in office and has vigorously denied allegations of a sexual assault made against him in 2017, although he did acknowledge settling with the accuser. At the time, he was in the middle of divorce proceedings after having a child with a Fox News producer, who is now his wife.
Trump and his supporters have rallied behind Hegseth, asserting that he represents a necessary shift away from perceived liberal ideologies in the military. A spokesperson for Trump remarked on Hegseth’s capabilities, positioning him as focused on prioritizing America’s interests and rebuilding the military.
In the last six decades, only one Cabinet nominee has been denied confirmation by the Senate. This was Texas Republican Senator John Tower, who faced intense scrutiny during his confirmation hearings in 1989 due to allegations of heavy drinking and relationships outside of marriage while serving.
Hegseth is actively working to address the concerns raised by senators. In meetings, he has been trying to alleviate doubts about his past. Moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine indicated that after her discussions with Hegseth, she plans to evaluate his nomination based on the upcoming hearing and a thorough background check.
The military enforces a strict code of conduct, and according to the CEO of a prominent veterans organization, Hegseth’s past indiscretions might hinder his leadership ability. The leader emphasized that military personnel often struggle to understand why extramarital behavior can lead to severe consequences, stressing that the military ideally holds its members to a higher standard of conduct.
In a podcast last November, Hegseth recounted an incident from his deployment in Iraq in 2005, where he instructed his platoon to disregard a command that limited engagement until an enemy threatened them with a weapon. He recalled the moment vividly, asserting that his team needed to act preemptively in regard to their safety.
Amid the scrutiny, a spokesperson commented that all nominees will uphold ethical standards expected of their roles. Hegseth is a recipient of the Bronze Star for his military service, having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Support for Hegseth also comes from a coalition of military veterans in the House of Representatives, who have urged the Senate to consider his qualifications based on his military service and vision for the role. Although they do not vote on his confirmation, their backing is significant. Additionally, a group of Navy SEALs is planning a rally in his support, emphasizing that his past behavior should not overshadow the urgency of focusing the military on combat readiness. One former SEAL noted that Hegseth empathizes with the frustrations felt by veterans regarding events in Iraq and Afghanistan, stating that the foremost rule is to ensure homecoming.
