WASHINGON — On Tuesday, Pete Hegseth will seek to persuade members of the Senate Armed Services Committee to appoint him as the next Secretary of Defense. This comes after a series of discussions with lawmakers who have scrutinized his character and perspectives on various military-related topics.
Hegseth, a veteran and author with a background as a former host on Fox News Channel, has faced challenges defending his history of public statements, particularly those in his latest book, “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.” His array of opinions offers a glimpse into how he might execute the responsibilities of the esteemed position, should he receive confirmation. While he claims some comments have been misunderstood, he has also sought to temper his views on several divisive matters.
Addressing the condition of the U.S. military, Hegseth, who attained the rank of major during his service, expressed concerns over declining standards, attributing it to initiatives meant to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion. He argues in his book that the military has become dangerously weakened and “effeminate” due to these factors and advocates for a substantial overhaul by the forthcoming president. He contends that various recruitment messaging alienated certain demographics, leading to perceptions of exclusion among white individuals, stating, “All the ‘diversity’ recruiting messages made certain kids — white kids — feel like they’re not wanted.” If he takes the helm at the Pentagon, he promises a focus on “lethality, meritocracy, readiness” over “social justice, politically correct approaches.” Hegseth has also expressed intentions to dismiss generals associated with “woke” initiatives.
Regarding the role of women in combat, Hegseth’s earlier remarks were clear-cut when he opposed their inclusion in direct combat roles. However, facing scrutiny from Congressional members, he seems to have shifted his position. He stated, “I’m straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. It hasn’t made us more effective. Hasn’t made us more lethal. Has made fighting more complicated.” While acknowledging the valuable contributions women have made in support positions, he asserted that combat roles should remain exclusive to men. He reflected on the innate differences between genders, suggesting that women cannot physically reach the same combat standards as men, and stressed the different nurturing roles men and women play, noting, “Dads push us to take risks. Moms put the training wheels on our bikes. We need moms. But not in the military, especially in combat units.” These comments have sparked significant backlash from lawmakers.
On the topics of infidelity and allegations of sexual assault, Hegseth has denied claims involving a 2017 incident, asserting that the encounter was consensual, though no legal action was taken. He admitted to settling with his accuser to prevent a potentially unfounded lawsuit, claiming full exoneration after an investigation. Moreover, he has confessed to several infidelity instances, acknowledging that his actions during his divorce from his second wife could label him a “serial cheater.” Hegseth attested to a change in character, crediting his current wife and his faith.
Concerns have arisen regarding Hegseth’s drinking habits, but he maintains that he does not have a drinking problem and promised senators that he would abstain from alcohol if appointed as Secretary of Defense. He likened this commitment to adherence to military policies prohibiting drinking during deployment.
In his discourse on extremism within the military, Hegseth has criticized Pentagon efforts to combat perceived extremism, deeming the situation exaggerated and labeling it as “peddling the lie of racism in the military.” He believes these actions have unjustly driven dedicated service members out of their units. His connection to extremist concerns came to light when he was removed from his National Guard duties after being identified as a potential “Insider Threat.” He asserted that the causes were misinterpreted and revolved around a Christian cross tattoo on his chest, even as concerns about a different tattoo linked to extremist groups were raised.
Following his nomination by President-elect Trump, Hegseth advocated for leadership experience grounded in combat, emphasizing the need for a Secretary of Defense with firsthand battle experience. He noted Trump’s sentiment about wanting a leader who prioritizes the needs of service members. Preceding Secretaries of Defense, including General Jim Mattis and Lloyd Austin, have also engaged in combat, underlining the significance of experience in military leadership roles. Austin elaborated on this point, stressing that while combat experience is critical, a wide-ranging understanding of military operations and strategic vision is equally essential.
