Trump’s defence secretary pick Pete Hegseth told he ‘lacks competence’ at Senate confirmation hearing
Donald Trump’s choice for US defence secretary has been accused of lacking the competence for the job, during a much-disrupted Senate confirmation hearing.
Senators are determining whether Pete Hegseth, a former combat veteran and TV news show host, is fit to lead the US military as Mr Trump’s choice for defence secretary.
He is a controversial choice because of past statements and actions, including allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking and derisive views about women in military combat roles and minorities.
Pete Hegseth at the committee hearing. Pic: Reuters
During the hearing – which has been disrupted by three protestors – Republican Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: “Mr Hegseth has admitted to falling short as we all do from time to time.”
But he added: “I have no doubt Mr Hegseth will excel in a skill in which many of his predecessors have fallen short.”
In contrast, Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, told Mr Hegseth: “I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job
“Unfortunately, you lack the character and composure and competence to hold the position of defence.”
Mr Reed also commented on the FBI background investigation into Mr Hegseth: “I want to say, for the record, I believe the investigation was insufficient.”
Mr Hegseth’s opening statement was interrupted by three protesters, all of whom were arrested.
One could be heard calling Hegseth a “Christian zionist”, moments later another person began shouting about “bombing babies in Gaza”.
Security removed a protester who interrupted Pete Hegseth’s opening statement. Pic: Reuters
When Mr Hegseth addressed the committee he spoke about why he thought president-elect Donald Trump chose him for the position.
He said: “The primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the department of defence.
“He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on lethality, meritocracy, warfare, fighting, accountability and readiness to stop bombing that night in our homeland.”
Another Democrat on the committee, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, questioned Mr Hegseth about past comments suggesting women should not serve in combat roles.
Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen focussed on comments Mr Hegseth has made about women serving in the military. Pic: Reuters
He replied that, over time, the US military had seen an erosion of “certain duty positions, certain schools, certain places, which affects readiness, which is what I care about the most, readiness”.
Mr Hegseth added he would be “honoured” to serve alongside “men and women, black, white, all backgrounds with a shared purpose” and he would treat women and minorities fairly if he was confirmed for the job.
Mrs Shaheen replied: “I appreciate your 11th-hour conversion.”
But he added he would review military standards that prioritise gender or race.
Charlie Kirk has been posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump.
The USA’s highest civilian honour was received by the conservative activist’s widow, Erika, at the White House.
Mr Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on 10 September while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
He founded Turning Point USA and toured American university campuses, debating students about current affairs.
Erika Kirk at the White House. Pic: Reuters
Erika Kirk and Donald Trump. Pic: Reuters
Addressing those attending the ceremony in the White House rose garden, the US president said they were there to “honour and remember a fearless warrior for liberty” and a “beloved leader who galvanised the next generation”.
He said Mr Kirk’s name was being entered “forever into the eternal roster of true American heroes”.
Mr Trump described Charlie Kirk as an “American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest calibre”.
He said his nation had been “robbed” of an “extraordinary champion”.
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Has Charlie Kirk become a MAGA ‘martyr’?
And Mr Trump said Mr Kirk was assassinated in the “prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth, for living his faith, and relentlessly fighting for a better and stronger America”.
The ceremony coincided with what would have been Mr Kirk’s 32nd birthday.
Mr Trump described Erika Kirk, now head of Turning Point USA, as someone who had “endured unspeakable hardship with unbelievable strength”.
Read more:
What do we know about Erika Kirk?
Charlie Kirk’s movement is growing in wake of his assassination
Charlie Kirk. File pic: AP
A 22-year-old man, Tyler Robinson, from the city of Washington in Utah has been charged with Mr Kirk’s murder. Prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty.
At a memorial event held at a stadium in Arizona, Erika Kirk told an enormous crowd she forgave her husband’s killer.
“The answer to hate is not hate,” she said.
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