Hegseth hits back at misconduct allegations in contentious hearing

Hegseth has denied accusations of sexual misconduct, heavy drinking and more.

ByAlexandra Hutzler and Ivan Pereira
Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 1:54 PM EST

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's embattled pick for defense secretary, faced senators on Tuesday for a contentious confirmation hearing.

Hegseth was grilled by members of the Armed Services Committee on allegations of misconduct and sexual impropriety he's denied -- as well as his position on military policy issues, including women in combat and diversity goals.

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Jan 14, 2025, 12:55 PM EST

Mullin blasts Democrats over alleged 'hypocrisy'

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., took aim at Senate Democrats, claiming hypocrisy over their attacks on Hegseth.

"You guys aren't any more qualified to be the senator than I'm qualified to be," he said.

Mullin took shots, even asking, "How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night? How many senators do you know have got a divorce before cheating on their wives? Did you ask them to step down?"

Sen. Markwayne Mullin questions Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, during Hegseth's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill, Jan. 14, 2025, in Washington.
Allison Robbert/AFP via Getty Images

"You guys make sure you make a big show and point out the hypocrisy because a man's made a mistake and you want to sit there and say that he's not qualified," said Mullin, who claimed his wife had to forgive him "more than once."

Jan 14, 2025, 12:42 PM EST

Democrat Gary Peters says he's not 'convinced' Hegseth can manage Pentagon

Michigan Democrat Gary Peters called out Hegseth's lack of management experience as a potential problem for an agency the size of the Pentagon.

"You have not convinced me that you are able to take on this tremendous responsibility with this complex organization with little or no management experience," Peters said.

Sen. Gary Peters speaks during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 14, 2025.
Ben Curtis/AP

After his remarks, Republican chairman Roger Wicker briefly chimed in.

"You've managed more people than the average United States senator," Wicker told Hegseth. The remark prompted some laughter among attendees.

Jan 14, 2025, 12:38 PM EST

Several Democrats say Hegseth ignored requests for meetings

Several Democratic senators have said Hegseth did not respond to their requests for one-on-one meetings ahead of Tuesday's hearings.

Hegseth spent a notable amount of time on Capitol Hill since his nomination as he looked to shore up support amid the allegations of misconduct.

"I was ready," Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, told Hegseth as he asked him if he was "afraid" to meet with some of his colleagues.

Jan 14, 2025, 12:35 PM EST

Tuberville praises Hegseth

Sen. Tommy Tuberville spent most of his questioning praising Hegseth.

The Alabama Republican and former Auburn University football coach made an analogy to football to the confirmation process.

"I came from a team sport where you were the people, the players actually won the games. And that's what's going to happen here. You're not going to win the game now. You're going to set the precedent," he said.

Tuberville continued the Republican questioning about the "woke" military and Hegseth again committed to focusing on leadership that focused on military values.