The Senate Armed Services Committee is set to convene Tuesday morning for what is expected to be a closely contested confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, the veteran and former Fox News host tapped by President Trump for Secretary of Defense. Hegseth’s nomination has created much debate, with Democrats questioning his qualifications and raising concerns over allegations of financial and personal misconduct. However, the results of a routine background check, disclosed Monday morning, appear to provide a boost to his confirmation prospects. Officials involved in the review described the findings as “unremarkable.”
For weeks, Democrats have pointed to Hegseth’s limited experience in high-level government roles as a key concern, alongside allegations that he mismanaged funds during his tenure at a veteran-focused nonprofit. Additionally, accusations of inappropriate workplace behavior have loomed large, though Hegseth has consistently denied the claims, dismissing them as politically motivated attacks. Despite these controversies, the newly released background check may complicate efforts to derail his nomination. While the investigation’s findings are unlikely to assuage critics’ broader concerns, some Republican lawmakers hailed the report as proof of Hegseth’s suitability for the role.
Some senators, including Republicans, have expressed their reservations about his suitability for the role, considering the allegations and his stated positions on critical military policies. Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense has been fraught with controversies stemming from past allegations of sexual assault, opposition to DEI initiatives and women in combat roles, and financial mismanagement. These issues are likely to be central topics during his confirmation process. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jack Reed (D-RI), who serve as the chair and ranking member of the committee, are the only ones who have reviewed Hegseth’s FBI file, which arrived late last week. Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) who have been briefed described the report as “unremarkable.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) informed reporters on Friday that she does not anticipate the file being made available to other senators before the hearing. While Senate Republicans are pushing for a swift confirmation of Trump’s national security nominees, possibly on day one, Democrats are intent on highlighting what they see as Hegseth’s unsuitability for the role. Despite potentially having enough votes for confirmation, it’s almost certain that Democrats will not support expediting Hegseth’s nomination on the Senate floor, Punchbowl News reported. The Democrats are expected to press Hegseth on his qualifications during the hearing, focusing on the Defense Department’s need for experienced leadership at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions.
The hearing is likely to delve into Hegseth’s past statements on military strategy and his close ties to Trump. Hegseth, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for military readiness and reform.
