Hegseth hits back at misconduct allegations in contentious hearing

Alsaka Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan questioned Hegseth and brought up his concerns and criticism of the Biden administration over what he called "woke" issues such as climate change research and investigating racism in the armed services.

He asked Hegseth if that would be the military's priority under his command.

"My secretary of the Navy, should I be confirmed, sir, will not be focused on climate change," Hegseth said with a big grin. "Just like the secretary of the Air Force won't be focused on LG-powered fighter jets. or the secretary of the Army will not be focused on electric-powered tanks."

"I say we're going to be focused on lethality, defeating our enemy," Hegseth added.

Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono pressed Hegseth if he would use the military to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.

President-elect Trump notably did not rule out such a scenario at a news conference last week.

"One of the things that President Trump is so good at is never strategically tipping his hand," Hegseth said. "And so I would never in this public forum give one way or another what orders the president would give me in any context."

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.

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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