Hegseth hits back at misconduct allegations in contentious hearing

Hegseth came under fire when questioned by Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono about his past allegations of sexual assault, and alcohol use.

Hegseth pushed back against Hirono about the sexual assault allegation made by a woman in October 2017 claiming "it was fully investigated and I was completely cleared."

The police did file a report about the incident but while no charges were filed it also did not state he was "cleared." Hegseth later entered a confidential settlement with the woman in 2020.

"As secretary, you will be in charge of maintaining good order and discipline by enforcing the Uniform Code of Military Justice, UCMJ. In addition to the sexual assault allegations. By the way, the answer to my second question should have been yes," the senator said.

Ernst mentioned her own military experience as she questioned Hegseth, saying she was denied an opportunity to serve in a combat role because she had gray hair but standards have since changed.

"Will you support women continuing to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles?" she asked, stressing she believed they needed to meet standards set out by the military.

"My answer is yes, exactly the way you caveated it," Hegseth responded.

Ernst, a sexual assault victim, also asked Hegseth if he would commit to having a senior-level military official dedicated to sexual assault response and prevention, to which he responded yes.

6:05

Hegseth pressed on women serving in combat roles

New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen pressed Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearing on conflicting statements he made in his book and then ahead of his hearing on women in the military.

ABCNews.com

Sen. Joni Ernst, a closely-watched GOP vote, began her questioning by talking about her "frank conversations" with Hegseth during her meetings last month.

The Iowa Republican said she had some concerns about wasteful spending but also women in the military and sexual assault allegations in the military.

"I do appreciate you sitting down and allowing me the opportunity to question you thoroughly on those issues that are of great importance to me," she said.

"I think previous secretaries of Defense, with all due respect, haven't necessarily emphasized the strategic prerogative of an audit," Ernst said.

Hegseth said an audit would be his priority.

Hegseth has claimed military readiness has been eroded due to "quotas" on racial or gender diversity.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, heatedly pushed back.

"Commanders do not have to have a quota for women in the infantry. That does not exist," she said. "It does not exist."

"Everything you've said in these public statements is politics," she continued. "I don't want women. I don't want moms. What's wrong with a mom?"