Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, faced a challenging Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, defending himself against allegations of misconduct and asserting his commitment to reshaping the U.S. military. The 44-year-old combat veteran and former Fox News host promised to eliminate “wokeness” and instill a renewed “warrior culture” under Trump’s leadership.  

"Politics should play no part in military matters. We are not Republicans, we are not Democrats, we are American warriors. Our standards will be high and they will be equal — not equitable, that's a very different word," Pete Hegseth says. https://t.co/iqKBu3KuTC pic.twitter.com/OoXFh8WI4C

— ABC News (@ABC) January 14, 2025

 

Hegseth’s nomination comes with significant scrutiny, as senators questioned his qualifications and addressed controversies surrounding his past. Allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking, and controversial remarks about women in combat have been raised against him. Hegseth, who denies all accusations, described himself as the target of a “smear campaign.” He emphasized his readiness to bring change, declaring, “It’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm.”  

 

As the first of Trump’s cabinet nominees to face a Senate hearing, Hegseth’s confirmation is seen as a litmus test of the former president’s influence over the Republican Party. Despite the GOP holding a 53-47 Senate majority, skepticism about Hegseth’s ability to manage the Pentagon’s $850 billion budget and oversee its vast military and civilian workforce lingers among some Republicans.  

 

Democratic senators were particularly pointed in their criticism. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that the allegations against Hegseth, including claims of workplace intoxication, would disqualify any other military leader from a position of authority. Hegseth dismissed these allegations, stating, “It was a false claim then, it’s a false claim now,” regarding a 2017 sexual assault investigation, which he settled out of court last year as a “nuisance lawsuit.”  

 

Hegseth also reiterated his resolve to depoliticize the military, vowing to remove “woke” policies and ensure accountability within the armed forces. He pledged a thorough review of senior military leadership, including General Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, if Trump requested it. “The wokeness comes not from the uniformed ranks, but from the political class,” Hegseth stated, promising a “recruiting renaissance” to address declining enlistment numbers.  

 

However, his critics remain unconvinced. Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and double amputee, called Hegseth “wholly unqualified” for the challenges ahead, which include the ongoing war in Ukraine, escalating tensions with China, and instability in the Middle East. “How can we ask … soldiers to train and perform at the absolute highest standards when you are asking us to lower the standards to make you secretary of defense?” Duckworth questioned.  

 

Trump, who will return to the White House on Monday, expressed unwavering support for his nominee. In a social media post before the hearing, the former president affirmed Hegseth’s capability, declaring he had Trump’s “complete and total support.”  

 

If confirmed, Hegseth will face the dual challenges of addressing external global threats and navigating internal divisions within the U.S. military. His vision of reshaping the Pentagon to reflect a more traditional “warrior culture” underscores his determination to align the armed forces with Trump’s broader agenda.

 

Based on a report by The Times 2024-01-16

 

 

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

Hegseth also reiterated his resolve to depoliticize the military, vowing to remove “woke” policies and ensure accountability within the armed forces. He pledged a thorough review of senior military leadership, including General Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, if Trump requested it. “The wokeness comes not from the uniformed ranks, but from the political class,” Hegseth stated, promising a “recruiting renaissance” to address declining enlistment numbers.  

I hope he gets to do that. The US military has been degraded in the past 4 years, IMO.

Well he's right about the 'wokeness aspect but warrior ethos ? Somewhat of a romantic statement for what are basically hired guns.

Having a lack of experience is now a plus, being a serial adulterer, accused rapist, right wing crusader and often out of control drunk are no objections anymore.

I'll take "wokeness" over a "warrior ethos" everywhere. 

Great news. 

 

We've seen recently with the LA fires what happens when you put DEI nonsense ahead of competence. 

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Pete Hegseth

Will Foster understanding across the Brooks of difference between top grade hootch and enlisted men's swill. 

 

Our Trump boys must drink top shelf. 🏆

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

We've seen recently with the LA fires what happens when you put DEI nonsense ahead of competence. 

You're right.  The LA fire was clearly caused by the SANTA ANNA WIND and that's definitely Mexican.  Usually the wind blows west to east from Santa Monica through the White Jewish neighborhoods of Westwood into Beverly Hills through the Miracle Mile.

But that awful Mexican wind blows in from the Eastside where all the Mexicans live.

If only we had the competent Westside winds, not of this would have happened. 😂

1 minute ago, SiSePuede419 said:

You're right.  The LA fire was clearly caused by the SANTA ANNA WIND and that's definitely Mexican.  Usually the wind blows west to east from Santa Monica through the White Jewish neighborhoods of Westwood into Beverly Hills through the Miracle Mile.

But that awful Mexican wind blows in from the Eastside where all the Mexicans live.

If only we had the competent Westside winds, not of this would have happened. 😂

 

Nice try.

 

Second thoughts, no it wasn't.  😄

 

Back in reality, it was caused by empty reservoirs, unmaintanied forests and a fire department that had it's budget cut, whose remaining staff had been selected on their immutable characteristics rather than their ability to do the job.

 

Hegseth will ensure the same mistake does not happen in the military. Kudos to him and for Trump appointing him. 

 

Were will they be invading first ,Greenland ,Canada or Panama ......what a bad choice

to be leader of the military , will he be filling his pockets from the budget ,like he did

to the veterans associations , 

 

regards worgeordie

This is the FIRST time in the history of US politics that a secretary of defense has been politicised. In the past, the selection was based on the virtue of the candidate. This bozo is in NO way qualified to run the most powerful military in the world. The cowardice of the Republicans is on full display. When a billionaire can threaten them that they better vote the way he wants under threat of being "primaried," he's essentially purchased this seat.

 

People are being lead to the slaughter and are either unaware or just don't care.

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Trump, who will return to the White House on Monday, expressed unwavering support for his nominee. In a social media post before the hearing, the former president affirmed Hegseth’s capability, declaring he had Trump’s “complete and total support.”

Anybody who kisses Trump's behind has his full support.

This is a highly unqualified man, morally bankrupt man, and another bottom of the barrel pic by Trump. He has never led a large organization and he may be qualified to lead a Boy Scout chapter of a large County but not the Department of Defense, which has 3 million employees. 

36 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Back in reality, it was caused by empty reservoirs, unmaintanied forests and a fire department that had it's budget cut, whose remaining staff had been selected on their immutable characteristics rather than their ability to do the job.

Back in reality? Right!

44 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

This is the FIRST time in the history of US politics that a secretary of defense has been politicised. In the past, the selection was based on the virtue of the candidate. This bozo is in NO way qualified to run the most powerful military in the world. The cowardice of the Republicans is on full display. When a billionaire can threaten them that they better vote the way he wants under threat of being "primaried," he's essentially purchased this seat.

 

People are being lead to the slaughter and are either unaware or just don't care.

 

 

 

 

First. You sure about that?

1 hour ago, WDSmart said:

I'll take "wokeness" over a "warrior ethos" everywhere. 

Infamous last words of a recipient of a Darwin Award

the armed forces are there to protect the country not bow down to woke culture designed to suit the pathetic democrat play book, the US armed forces used to be recognized as an elite fighting force, now they are regarded as a joke. Getting them back to where they were before biden totally f'd them up is the only way to go especially with all the world conflicts, getting rid of the BS gender crap is the first thing that needs to go then all the other woke crap that was pushed onto them.

Just now, seajae said:

the armed forces are there to protect the country not bow down to woke culture designed to suit the pathetic democrat play book, the US armed forces used to be recognized as an elite fighting force, now they are regarded as a joke. Getting them back to where they were before biden totally f'd them up is the only way to go especially with all the world conflicts, getting rid of the BS gender crap is the first thing that needs to go then all the other woke crap that was pushed onto them.

Exactly, the DoD and armed forces in its entirety is not an institution of social engineering or transgender welfare programs 

And still nobody admits Usa and it's rhetoric is on level with Saddam Hussain, North Koreas last presidents and the priests back in Iran, but the difference between them and Trump's government, they actually have the biggest army and arsenal in their hands. 

 

Makes Putin looks like a decent man, and Xi as an great statesman and a better solution to take over the Empire for the next century. 

 

Usa need too be disarmed for its Nukes

20 minutes ago, novacova said:

2 hours ago, WDSmart said:

I'll take "wokeness" over a "warrior ethos" everywhere. 

Infamous last words of a recipient of a Darwin Award

"Wokeness" is, IMO, a new, positive feature of our (human) social evolution. "Warrior ethos" is, again, IMO, a shameful remnant of our past.

50 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

First. You sure about that?

Yes.

10 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

"Wokeness" is, IMO, a new, positive feature of our (human) social evolution. "Warrior ethos" is, again, IMO, a shameful remnant of our past.

Wokeness in a positive way, but it has its negatives when to extreme wokeness makes us vulnerable and week to our competitors and enemies. 

 

Same goes for extreme environment activists gets to much power. 

 

One thing is climate changes, another thing is the complete suicide we execute to our self together with extreme wokeness as a society in competition with more pragmatic forces

 

The DEI experiment is dead. Time to go back to meritocracy. 

I actually watched the hearing. Hegseth won by a knockout. 

5 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I hope he gets to do that. The US military has been degraded in the past 4 years, IMO.

And how would you know that?

5 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Wokeness in a positive way, but it has its negatives when to extreme wokeness makes us vulnerable and week to our competitors and enemies. 

 

Same goes for extreme environment activists gets to much power. 

 

One thing is climate changes, another thing is the complete suicide we execute to our self together with extreme wokeness as a society in competition with more pragmatic forces

 

I agree that "wokeness" and the belief in human-caused climate change must be introduced to society in phases, not all at once. An extreme position on either can certainly be counterproductive. However, those who favor these two positions (of which I am one) must also not allow detractors to completely nullify the assertions that are the foundations of "wokeness" and human-caused climate change. And those same people must continue to lobby for changes in our society that will enable the acceptance and then associated actions in line with these two progressive concepts.

2 hours ago, stevenl said:

Having a lack of experience is now a plus, being a serial adulterer, accused rapist, right wing crusader and often out of control drunk are no objections anymore.

Yeah, we need more Austins and Gen Millies right?

To those who have managed workplaces and had troublesome personnel, this man is a drunk, sex pest , untrustworthy and  given to  delusions of grandeur.  He will at some point screw up and then attempt to cover up the mess. This man isn't fit to be a clerk for secretaries like Jimmy Forrestal, or George Marshall, or Bill Perry or Bill Cohen.

 

The characterization of senior officers at the deaprtment of defense as woke liberals is so far off the mark as to be an insult. The US military has some of the best educated and trained  leadership and command officers in the world. Many if not most  of the senior command have had combat experience. Multiple false claims about DEI in the military have been made. The reality is that the military is facing a shortage of educated, qualified personnel. Hegseth won't change that. On the contrary, he may cause a large number of personnel to leave .

 

The reason women are serving is because they fill an important gap in the personnel needs. Without women in their roles, the US would have  16% shortage in available personnel. The warrior mentality is what causes  multi million dollar losses of aircraft, and unnecessary actions.  This job requires a person who is able to manage a multi billion dollar multi national operation.

 

 

35 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

"Wokeness" is, IMO, a new, positive feature of our (human) social evolution. "Warrior ethos" is, again, IMO, a shameful remnant of our past.

You may say shameful remnant, but I would suggest a necessity. Even more so nowadays.

 

The woke chaining themselves to fences won't deter any foe in any  future conflict, and a warrior ethos is what is required in such circumstances

3 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

I agree that "wokeness" and the belief in human-caused climate change must be introduced to society in phases, not all at once. An extreme position on either can certainly be counterproductive. However, those who favor these two positions (of which I am one) must also not allow detractors to completely nullify the assertions that are the foundations of "wokeness" and human-caused climate change. And those same people must continue to lobby for changes in our society that will enable the acceptance and then associated actions in line with these two progressive concepts.

Well, that's the ideal way and how it should be, but we need to make everyone pull the same way, and not against each other. 

 

Unfortunate we have seen and experienced, war and war rhetoric is the perfect distraction to force people to pull in the same direction.

 

Partly because of to many people gets to comfortable, laziness or lack of purpose (decent work, pay, belief in the future,)

 

And lately massiv distractions by social media, making people to segretad and distanced from the real purposes and also lack of moral. 

 

Everyone can be what they want, and believe what they want, and on top of it, to much drugs, and that involves in very big scales the flooding of cocaine in Usa and Europe and also later more legalized marijuana makes huge structural changes in societies. 

 

There is a middle ground where everyone or most can thrive, but humans will never be satisfied with the middle ground. They want gladiators and witches for entertainment.

 

Bread and circus = distractions

 

When our competitors and enemies seems more intelligent, we know we are heading the wrong way