Senate Armed Services questions Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Tuesday, lawmakers grilled Pete Hegseth for the role of Secretary of Defense.

He’s arguably one of the president-elect’s most controversial picks.

The whole hearing lasting a contentious four hours and 15 minutes.

Democrats on the Senate Armed Services committee addressing multiple allegations about his character.

Pete Hegseth calling his treatment smear campaign.

Senator Jack Reed is the ranking member and a Democrat from Rhode Island.

“Mr. Hegseth said, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job.”

For the prospective Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth spent Tuesday defending himself.

“There was a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us. All they were out to do, Mr. Chairman, was to destroy me.”

Democratic senators addressed a variety of allegations against Hegseth, including financial mismanagement, mistreatment of women, and alcohol abuse.

Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat of Virginia, was pointed in his questioning.

“Many of your work colleagues have said that you show up for work under the influence of alcohol or drunk. I know you’ve denied that, but you would agree with me, right, that if that was the case, that would be disqualifying for somebody to be secretary of defense....

Hegseth defended himself, “Sir those are all anonymous false claims....!

Senator Kaine stood his ground, “They’re not anonymous”

During his time in the hot seat, Hegseth vowed to lead through experience, and uphold Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda.

Whether he’ll have that opportunity is up to the Senate.

His confirmation requires a simple majority, meaning if four or more Republicans break party unity, he’s out.

A vote could come as early as next week.

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