Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Pentagon, faced intense criticism during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, with Democratic lawmakers expressing significant concerns about his lack of experience, alleged history of drunkenness, and past opposition to women serving in combat roles, Reuters reported.

A former Fox News host, Hegseth is one of the most contentious figures ever nominated for the position of Secretary of Defense. The 44-year-old has been outspoken against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military and, in his latest book, questioned the competence of the US military’s top general, suggesting racial bias in his promotion, the news agency highlighted.

Before his nomination, Hegseth had been a vocal critic of women in combat roles, though he later reversed his position during the contentious confirmation process, which has been one of the most heated in recent memory for a US defense secretary, according to the report.

Concerns about an FBI investigation into Hegseth’s past

Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed doubts about Hegseth’s qualifications, stating, "Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job."

Reed also raised concerns about an FBI investigation into Hegseth’s past, saying it failed to sufficiently address numerous allegations against him.

These concerns include a 2017 sexual assault allegation that did not lead to charges, which Hegseth denies, as well as accusations of excessive drinking and financial mismanagement at veterans' organizations. Hegseth has pledged to abstain from alcohol if confirmed and acknowledged making financial errors but denies any illegal activities.

Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sharply criticized Hegseth’s past statements about women in the military, emphasizing their critical role and the need for respect.

"We have hundreds – HUNDREDS – of women who serve in the infantry, lethal members of our military ... But you degrade them," she said in an impassioned exchange, urging him to "explain these types of statements because they're brutal, and they're mean."

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Despite facing strong opposition from Democrats, Hegseth has received backing from Trump’s Republican allies. As he entered the hearing room, he was greeted by applause and chants of "USA, USA, USA" from supporters.

'Accountability is coming'

Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican chair of the committee, endorsed Hegseth, acknowledging that while the nomination is unconventional, Hegseth’s personal conduct shortcomings are no different from the errors made by others.

"Regarding his personal conduct, Mr. Hegseth has admitted to falling short, as we all do from time to time," Wicker said.

Throughout his opening remarks, which included praise for Trump, Hegseth was interrupted by protesters. He reiterated his intention to restore a "warrior culture" to the military, asserting that “accountability is coming” for those who fail to meet expectations.

In response to questions about his prior opposition to women in combat, Hegseth stated that he opposed quotas for such roles, a stance that was quickly refuted by Gillibrand, who pointed out that no such quotas exist.

Hegseth later assured Republican Senator Joni Ernst, a veteran, that he would support women in combat roles as long as high standards were maintained, adding that a review would ensure those standards were not undermined.

Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Army veteran who lost both legs in combat, chastised Hegseth for his lack of foreign policy expertise and management experience, declaring him unfit to lead the Pentagon.

"You say you care about keeping our armed forces strong ... then let's not lower the standards for you. You sir, are a no-go at this station," she said.

While Republican senators have rallied behind Hegseth, his confirmation may hinge on his performance during the hearing. With a slim majority in the Senate, Hegseth can afford to lose the support of no more than three Republicans if Democrats and independents unite against him.

Cabinet nominees typically do not lose Senate votes, as they are often withdrawn if opposition seems insurmountable. The last nominee to be defeated was former Senator John Tower, who was proposed as Secretary of Defense in 1989 but was ultimately rejected after investigations into allegations of drunkenness and inappropriate behavior, according to Reuters.

If confirmed, Hegseth could fulfill Trump’s promise to purge the military of generals he accuses of promoting progressive diversity policies.

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