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Evening Report

© Greg Nash

Hegseth endures testy hearing; GOP defends from Dem anger

THE BATTLE over President-elect Trump's Cabinet nominees got off to a blistering start Tuesday, with Pete Hegseth enduring a combative public hearing in his quest to lead the Department of Defense.

Over the course of more than four hours, Hegseth absorbed the full fury of Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who were unsparing in their critiques of his personal life and career experience.

The hearing was initially consumed by protesters who shouted at Hegseth, calling him a “misogynist” and a “Christian fascist.”

Hegseth, an Army veteran and former Fox News host, kept his cool under the bright lights, even as he faced questions about his drinking, multiple marriages and infidelities and an allegation of sexual assault.

Several key Republicans remain on the fence about Hegseth, who has a narrow margin for error with the 53-47 GOP majority in the Senate.

But there did not appear to be any devastating moments that might cause Republicans to rethink their support or revolt en masse against his nomination.

Republicans on the committee repeatedly rallied to Hegseth’s defense, and key swing votes, such as Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), did not signal through their questioning that his confirmation might be in doubt.

DEMS GET PERSONAL

Hegseth’s confirmation process was always going to be a messy affair due to the personal nature of some of the allegations against him, which include heavy drinking, philandering and one allegation of sexual assault.

“We must acknowledge the concerning public reports against you,” said Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the ranking Democrat on the committee.

Democrats on the panel fumed at an NBC report, which found the FBI did not interview Hegseth’s accuser as part of his background check.

Hegseth has repeatedly denied the allegation of sexual assault, saying he had an extramarital but consensual sexual encounter with the woman.

He told Ernst, a survivor of sexual assault, that he would appoint a senior level officer to handle such allegations within the military.

Hegseth also denied the allegations of heavy drinking. He’s promised to abstain from alcohol if confirmed to lead the military.

“All anonymous [allegations], all false, all refuted by my colleagues,” he said.

He argued that the allegations against him were part of a “coordinated smear campaign” and that no accusers or victims have come froward to go on the record about his behavior.

“I’m willing to endure these attacks,” he said. “But what I will do is stand up for the truth and for my reputation.”

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) brought up Hegseth’s multiple marriages and past infidelities.

“You have admitted that you had sex while you were married to your wife two months after you had just fathered a child by wife three. You’ve admitted that,” Kaine said.

“I’m not a perfect person but redemption is real,” Hegseth replied.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) blasted back at the line of questioning.

“How many senators do you know have gotten divorced for cheating on their wives ... it's for show ... it is so ridiculous you guys hold yourselves to a higher standard,” he said.

HEGSETH SOFTENS TONE TOWARD WOMEN SERVICEMEMBERS

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) unloaded on Hegseth for his past position that women should not serve in combat roles.

“Please explain these types of statements because they’re brutal and they’re mean and they disrespect men and women who are willing to die for this country,” Gillibrand said.

Hegseth later told Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, that he does not oppose women serving in combat roles, but that he wants a review to ensure physical standards within the military have not been “eroded.”

“I have never disparaged women in the military,” he said. “My critiques have been instances where standards are lowered.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) accused Hegseth of backtracking his comments about women in combat roles once he was nominated to lead the Pentagon.

Warren, after reading out his past remarks opposing women in combat, said he did a “very big about-face in a very, very short period of time."

HEGSETH PROMISES A CULTURE CHANGE AT THE PENTAGON

Hegseth took shots at Democratic efforts to prioritize diversity and equity within the military, saying it’s led to a weaker fighting force.

He vowed to change the culture at the Pentagon by prioritizing “performance, readiness and merit.”

“We’ve repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly ‘the right credentials,' whether they are retired generals, academics, or defense contractor executives. And where has it gotten us?” he said.

“Leaders at all levels will be held accountable,” he added. “Warfighting and lethality and the readiness of the troops and their families will be our only focus.”

WHAT'S NEXT

Several of Trump’s Cabinet nominees will face various Senate panels Wednesday.

Up next:

• Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Secretary of State

• Pam Bondi, Attorney General

• Kristi Noem, Homeland Security

• John Ratcliffe, CIA

• Sean Duffy, Transportation

• Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget

Find the full calendar

© The Hill