Sen. Tammy Duckworth and others confront Pete Hegseth over his past views on women in combat during a heated Senate hearing.
Washington: During a tense Senate hearing, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and other female senators took Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth to task over his long-standing objections to women serving in combat roles. Duckworth, a wounded veteran, was particularly vocal, questioning how Hegseth could uphold military standards while opposing women in combat.
Despite the heated exchanges, the committee is likely to advance Hegseth’s nomination to the Senate floor. This comes amid serious allegations against him, including alcohol abuse and infidelity, raising eyebrows about his qualifications.
Duckworth pointedly asked Hegseth how he could expect warriors to meet high standards if he was willing to lower them for his own appointment. The hearing marked one of the first for a Trump nominee, with Republicans generally supporting Hegseth despite the Democrats’ opposition.
Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican and veteran, initially had concerns but later expressed satisfaction after discussions with Hegseth. She emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards for all service members, regardless of gender.
Hegseth, who has a history of opposing women in combat, seemed to shift his stance during the hearing, stating that women should have access to combat roles as long as they meet the required standards. This prompted skepticism from the Democratic senators, who questioned the sincerity of his change of heart.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen both expressed disbelief at Hegseth’s sudden shift, with Warren highlighting the inconsistency in his views over the years. Duckworth, who has been vocal about Hegseth’s qualifications, reiterated that the focus should be on his readiness to lead the Defense Department, not on the capabilities of women in combat.
In closing, Duckworth warned that the American people need a Secretary of Defense who is prepared to lead from day one, emphasizing that Hegseth does not fit that bill. She raised concerns about the implications of having someone unqualified in such a critical position, especially during a transition period.
