The Senate Armed Services Committee is set to convene Tuesday morning for a highly anticipated confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News host nominated by President Trump to serve as Secretary of Defense. Hegseth’s nomination has sparked intense debate, with Democrats raising concerns about his qualifications and citing allegations of financial and personal misconduct. However, the results of a routine background check, released Monday morning, may bolster his chances of confirmation. Officials involved in the review described the findings as “unremarkable.”
Democrats have expressed concerns about Hegseth’s limited experience in senior government positions and allegations of financial mismanagement during his leadership of a veteran-focused nonprofit. Accusations of inappropriate workplace behavior have also been a point of contention, though Hegseth has consistently denied these claims, dismissing them as politically motivated. Despite these controversies, the clean background check could make it more difficult for opponents to derail his nomination. While the findings are unlikely to alleviate all criticisms, some Republican lawmakers have welcomed the report, calling it evidence of Hegseth’s fitness for the role.
Some senators, including Republicans, have voiced concerns about Pete Hegseth’s suitability for the role of Secretary of Defense, citing allegations and his controversial positions on key military policies. Hegseth’s nomination has been marked by controversies, including past allegations of sexual assault, his opposition to DEI initiatives and women in combat roles, and accusations of financial mismanagement. These issues are expected to be central to the confirmation process. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jack Reed (D-RI), the chair and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), are the only members to have reviewed Hegseth’s FBI file, which was delivered late last week. That said, Republican members of the SASC who were subsequently briefed on the contents of the report described it as “unremarkable.”
Senate Republicans are aiming for a swift confirmation of President Trump’s national security nominees, potentially as early as day one. However, Democrats are determined to spotlight what they view as Pete Hegseth’s lack of suitability for the role of Secretary of Defense. While Hegseth likely has the votes needed for confirmation, Democrats are expected to oppose any effort to fast-track his nomination on the Senate floor, according to Punchbowl News. During the hearing, Democrats plan to scrutinize Hegseth’s qualifications, emphasizing the Defense Department’s need for experienced leadership amid rising geopolitical tensions.