The US Senate narrowly confirmed former Fox Information co-host Pete Hegseth as Pentagon chief on Friday, regardless of allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and different fears about his capability to steer the world’s strongest navy.
Three Republican senators voted towards Donald Trump’s choose as secretary of defence, leading to a 50-50 tie that required J.D. Vance to forged the deciding poll — solely the second time in historical past a vp has needed to intervene to avoid wasting a cupboard nominee.
The razor-edged end result underscored issues about Hegseth, who will take over the Pentagon with conflict raging in Ukraine, the Center East risky regardless of ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza, and as Trump expands the navy’s function in safety on the US-Mexico border.
The 44-year-old is a former Military Nationwide Guard officer who till not too long ago labored as a co-host for Fox Information — one in every of Trump’s favored tv channels.
Hegseth has a combative media character, fierce loyalty and telegenic seems — frequent hallmarks in Trump’s entourage.
Supporters say Hegseth’s deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq give him the perception to run the Protection Division higher than extra skilled officers who would usually be thought of for the job.
He has pledged to focus the navy on “lethality” and to carry again “warrior tradition” to the Pentagon.
In confirming him, Republicans brushed apart his lack of expertise main a company anyplace close to the dimensions of the Protection Division — the nation’s largest employer with some three million personnel.
In addition they authorised Hegseth regardless of allegations of monetary mismanagement at veterans’ nonprofits the place he beforehand labored, reviews of extreme consuming, and allegations that he sexually assaulted a lady in California.
Requested throughout his affirmation listening to final week in regards to the criticism he has confronted, Hegseth stated there was a “coordinated smear marketing campaign” towards him, and that he’s “not an ideal individual, however redemption is actual.”
Trump has stood by him, telling reporters Friday: “Pete’s a really, superb man.”
– ‘Erratic and aggressive behaviour’ –
However three Republicans — senators Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell and Lisa Murkowski — had been unconvinced and voted towards him.
Murkowski stated on X the day earlier than the Friday vote that “previous behaviours Mr Hegseth has admitted to, together with infidelity on a number of events, show an absence of judgment that’s unbecoming of somebody who would lead our armed forces.”
Previous to his approval by the total Senate, lawmakers obtained an affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law Danielle Hegseth that added to the allegations towards him.
“I consider Hegseth has an alcohol abuse downside and was abusive to his ex-wife Samantha,” the affidavit stated, although it famous that Danielle Hegseth didn’t personally witness bodily or sexual abuse by the incoming defence secretary.
Danielle Hegseth, nonetheless, stated she “personally noticed… Hegseth’s erratic and aggressive behaviour over a few years,” that she was subjected to emotional abuse by him, and that she was advised by his ex-wife that she as soon as hid from him in a closet as a result of she “feared for her private security.”
In keeping with the affidavit, Hegseth additionally advised his ex-sister-in-law that ladies mustn’t work or have the appropriate to vote, and stated that “Christians wanted to have extra kids to allow them to overtake the Muslim inhabitants.”
Throughout his combative affirmation listening to, Hegseth caught to his opposition to variety, fairness and inclusion insurance policies — lengthy a bugbear for Republicans — saying they’re “dividing troops inside formations, inflicting commanders to stroll on eggshells, not placing meritocracy first.”
However he sought to melt previous remarks opposing ladies serving in fight, telling lawmakers that “ladies could have entry to floor fight roles… given the requirements stay excessive.”
Three extra of Trump’s most contentious nominees will quickly be grilled by lawmakers.
Kash Patel — Trump’s nominee to steer the FBI — Tulsi Gabbard, his choose for director of nationwide intelligence, and Robert F Kennedy Jr, the president’s alternative for secretary of well being and human companies, are anticipated to have Senate hearings subsequent week.
AFP