Additionally taking to X to criticise Hegseth, former Democratic US Consultant Debbie Mucarsel-Powell stated: “Hegseth cannot identify one nation that is a part of ASEAN and he would not know any of the US worldwide safety agreements. America, if you need peace and safety, this ain’t it!”
Hegseth, a former Fox Information host, is without doubt one of the most controversial figures ever nominated to be US secretary of defence.
The 44-year-old has railed in opposition to variety, fairness and inclusion initiatives within the navy, questioning whether or not the highest US basic has the job as a result of he’s black. Previous to his nomination, Hegseth strongly opposed girls in fight roles.
A number of episodes from Hegseth’s previous have additionally sparked concern amongst lawmakers, together with a 2017 sexual assault allegation that didn’t lead to costs and which he strongly denies, and accusations of extreme consuming and monetary mismanagement at veterans’ organisations.
When requested by Republican Senator Roger Wicker, the chair of the Senate Armed Providers Committee, about allegations Hegseth has confronted, the nominee stated that there was a “coordinated smear marketing campaign” in opposition to him.
“I am not an ideal particular person, however redemption is actual,” Hegseth stated, later asserting he was “falsely accused” of sexual assault and dismissing accounts of alcohol abuse as “nameless smears”.
Hegseth can solely afford three Republican rejections to be confirmed because the US defence chief, ought to each Democrat and impartial vote in opposition to him.
However he has maintained Trump’s help whereas the excoriating headlines have multiplied, and Senate Republicans look like open to listening to him out.
