Pete Hegseth Lands On Capitol Hill As Senate Confirmation Hearings Kickoff

Confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s nominees began Tuesday with Pete Hegseth appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Hegseth, Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, has experienced an uphill road as allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement emerged after his nomination. The former Fox News host has vehemently denied the claims.

He has appeared to repair his public image in recent weeks as Trump, his allies, and Hegseth himself sought to reassure Republican senators. Despite likely Republican support, the hearing is expected to have some fireworks, as Democrats are furious about the nomination.

In opening remarks, Hegseth said he would reform the Pentagon and the military.

“We need to make sure every warrior is fully qualified on their assigned weapons system,” he said, and “every general or flag officer is selected for leadership or promotion purely based on performance, readiness and merit. Leaders at all levels will be held accountable.”

On Tuesday, Pete Hegseth also panned what he called “coordinated smear campaign” against his nomination to lead the Pentagon.

“What became very evident to us from the beginning — there was a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us. That was clear from moment one,” Hegseth said. “And what we knew is it wasn’t about me. Most of it was against President Donald Trump.”

He added that he didn’t immediately understand “the depth” behind that campaign, noting his opponents are “out to destroy me” because “I’m a “change agent.”

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

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told Pete Hegseth that he would support him to be the Pentagon’s next spokesperson, but not its secretary.

After heaping criticism over Hegseth’s tenure atop a pair of veterans organizations, the Connecticut Democrat lauded his communications skills, but pressed that those don’t qualify him to run the Department of Defense.

“I don’t believe that you can tell this committee or the people of America that you are qualified to lead them. I would support you as the spokesperson for the Pentagon. I don’t dispute your communication skills, but I believe that we are entitled to the facts here. I’ve asked for more documents,” Blumenthal said.