WASHINGTON (AP) — Questions are being raised about whether Pete Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News Channel host, would be fit to enforce discipline in the military if confirmed as President-elect Donald Trump’s defense secretary. Hegseth’s past extramarital affairs, refusal to follow a combat commander’s directive, and issues with drinking could have violated military law if they occurred while he was in uniform. As the potential overseer of more than 2 million troops, Hegseth could face challenges in being seen as a role model for discipline and meeting high standards expected of military leaders.
Some veterans’ groups support Hegseth, emphasizing the importance of his focus on improving military readiness. However, senior defense officials have expressed concerns about his ability to lead given his acknowledged past indiscretions. Character and leadership are considered crucial in the military, and the defense secretary plays a key role in holding senior officers accountable for their actions.
Hegseth’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to address these issues and serve as a test of Trump’s ability to secure loyalty within a narrow Republican majority. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns about Hegseth’s past behavior and his ability to uphold the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Hegseth has stated his commitment to following the law and has pledged not to drink on the job, while also denying a 2017 sex assault allegation.
According to court records and social media posts, former President Donald Trump has voiced his support for Pete Hegseth, a Fox News producer who is now married to his current wife. Trump and his followers believe that Hegseth, if appointed, will bolster what they perceive as a more traditional military, contrasting with what they criticize as a “woke” approach.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, has praised Hegseth as a strong and intelligent candidate who will prioritize American interests if appointed as Secretary of Defense. Cheung stated, “With Pete as our Secretary of Defense, America’s enemies are on notice and our military will be great again.”
The Senate has previously rejected only one Cabinet nominee in the past six decades – John Tower, who was nominated by President-elect George H.W. Bush for defense secretary in 1989. Amid contentious confirmation hearings that scrutinized Tower’s personal conduct, including allegations of excessive drinking and womanizing, he was ultimately voted down.
In his efforts to secure support from senators, Hegseth has been engaging in meetings on Capitol Hill to address any concerns. Trump’s base has been actively pressuring those they view as not fully aligned with their agenda.
Moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine recently met with Hegseth, where she raised questions about past allegations of drinking and a settlement payment. She has indicated that she will reserve judgment on his nomination until after the confirmation hearing and background check.
Allison Jaslow, CEO of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, has pointed out that Hegseth’s past actions could potentially hinder his ability to lead due to the military’s stringent code of conduct, which upholds high standards of character.
Despite some controversies surrounding Hegseth, he has garnered support from 32 House Republicans with military backgrounds, who have called on the Senate to evaluate him based on his service record and vision for the military.
Hegseth’s stance on military engagement, as revealed in a podcast where he recounted urging his platoon to engage the enemy without waiting for them to raise their weapons, has raised eyebrows. In response to concerns, a transition spokesman emphasized that all nominees and appointees must adhere to ethical obligations.
Among Hegseth’s supporters are a group of Navy SEALs who believe that his focus on readiness for the military outweighs any past indiscretions. They argue that the primary rule in combat is to ensure that all personnel return home safely, emphasizing that the military should prioritize its mission over social justice initiatives.
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