Hegseth's views on women in combat and DEI are 'extremely alarming'
Pete Hegseth's past statements on women in combat roles and military DEI practices are "extremely alarming," Reed said in his opening statement.
Leading with a personal anecdote about serving in the military in the 1970s, Reed recalled an organization that was rife with racial tension, sexism and LGBTQ-centered bigotry. The branch at the time was "certainly not the nation's most capable military by any standard," Reed said, emphasizing the importance of a body that reflects the American people it vows to protect.
With Hegseth at the helm, Reed worries today's historically diverse military could backslide, pointing to an interview Hegseth did in November where he said, "I’m straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles."
Reed also pointed out other quotes from Hegseth, including one about how the military is "weakened by political correctness," saying "diversity" is not the military's strength, "unity is." Hegseth's anti-DEI sentiment could negatively affect the recruitment, readiness and retention practices the military relies on, Reed said.
"Our military is more diverse than it has ever been, but more importantly is more lethal than it has ever been. This is not a coincidence," Reed said.
Sen. Jack Reed says he does not believe Hegseth is qualified to be defense secretary
Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., said in his opening statement that he does not believe Hegseth is "qualified to meet the overwhelming demands" of defense secretary, citing allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking and his comments that women should not serve in combat roles
"We must acknowledge the concerning public reports against you," Reed said. Reed added that he has reviewed many of the allegations and finds them "extremely alarming."
"Indeed, the totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the secretary of defense," Reed said.
Hegseth has denied allegations of sexual assault and has said he would not drink as secretary of defense.
GOP chair says Hegseth would become defense secretary 'in a moment of consequence'
Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said in his opening statement that Hegseth would take over the Pentagon "in a moment of consequence."
"The United States faces the most dangerous security environment since World War II," Wicker said, identifying Chinese aggression, threats from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, and terrorism from Hamas and Hezbollah as top priorities to tackle.
"Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional," Wicker said. "The nominee is unconventional, just like that New York developer who rode down the escalator in 2015 to announce his Kennedy candidacy for president. That may be what makes Mr. Hegseth an excellent choice to improve this unacceptable status quo."
Wicker said that Hegseth would "shake up" the bureaucracy and "fix" issues at the Pentagon, which he claimed focuses too much on DEI (a frequent Republican complaint about the Biden administration).
He also said that the accusations against Hegseth had only "come from anonymous sources."
"Contrast these anonymous accusations with the many public letters of support and commendation we have seen letters from people who served with Mr. Hegseth," he said. "These individuals have worked with him professionally. They really know him and his character. These patriotic Americans have been willing to put their names and reputations on the line to support Mr. Hegseth."
Hegseth addresses Ukraine, sexual assault, climate change and women in the military in policy questionnaire
In a 75-page questionnaire, Hegseth answered numerous policy questions posed by the Senate Armed Services Committee about a range of issues facing the military.
Addressing sexual assault in the military, Hegseth said that he would place a "high-level official in charge" to oversee a plan to prevent sexual assault and harassment across the military.
He was asked about women serving in the military and seemed open to them serving in any role. “Every service member, regardless of gender, who can meet objective occupational and readiness standards for a career field should have the opportunity to compete for jobs in that field,” he said. Hegseth had previously opposed women serving in combat roles.
Hegseth said that the military has become "too focused on political issues of social justice, political correctness, critical race theory, climate change, etc.," the questionnaire said. "The military is an a-political institution that should be focused only on lethality, equality, meritocracy, and readiness.”
And while Hegseth indicated that the U.S. should actively deter Russia from acting against U.S. interests, he couldn't answer a question about whether it's important for the U.S. to continue providing security assistance to Ukraine.
“If confirmed, I will ensure that the Department of Defense plays a key role in the whole-of-government effort to support the President’s Special Envoy for Ukraine-Russia," he said.
Hearing begins
The confirmation hearing for Hegseth before the Senate Armed Services Committee has begun. Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., called for a moment of silence for the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Democrats predict there will be 'surprises' at Hegseth hearing
Senate Democrats foreshadowed that there could be “surprises” at today’s hearing, pointing out that rank-and-file members had not been given a copy of a report on the FBI background check on Hegseth or other requested materials and that that information could come to light.
“There may be surprises because we have been denied access to some of the materials and documents and other information, including the FBI report, that may contain information forthcoming during the hearing,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., an Armed Services member, told reporters last night.
“In other words, we may not know what he may tell us in the hearing, simply because we haven’t been privy to a lot of the documents, most prominently an FBI report,” the senator continued. “The Trump transition team has been stonewalling and slow-walking us. It amounts to a campaign of cover up.”
Another Armed Services member, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., added: “I think there will be surprises.”
Trump wishes Hegseth luck, says he has his 'complete and total support'
Trump posted on Truth Social to wish Hegseth luck ahead of his hearing this morning.
"Pete Hegseth will make a GREAT Secretary of Defense. He has my Complete and Total support," Trump said in the post.
"Good luck today, Pete!" the president-elect added. Trump repeatedly reiterated his support for Hegseth amid the allegations of misconduct last year.
See part of Hegseth’s opening statement before hearing
Hegseth is set to begin confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill. In his opening statement obtained by NBC News, he leans into his outside perspective. “It’s time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm,” he is expected to say. NBC’s Ryan Nobles reports for "TODAY."
Hegseth arrives at Russell Senate building ahead of hearing
Hegseth arrived at the Russell Senate Office Building just before 9 a.m. ET, telling NBC News that he is "feeling great" ahead of today's hearing.
"Looking forward to today," Hegseth added as he entered the building.
Elizabeth Warren calls Hegseth's past ideas on women in combat roles 'a national security risk'
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said yesterday that Hegseth's prior ideas about women serving in combat roles are a threat to the country's security.
"Women make up nearly one in five members of our military — serving on the frontlines," Warren said in a post on X. "But Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, doesn’t believe women in the military should serve in combat roles."
Warren said the country needs to recruit "the most talented people we can to keep America safe," adding "what happens if we wipe out 1000s of qualified women from our military, women who are already doing the job?"
Hegseth has repeatedly said in the past, including in a podcast in November, that he doesn't believe women should serve in combat roles, a comment that was met with immediate backlash. Since then, Hegseth has softened his approach, saying on a different podcast in December that women could serve in combat as long as they meet "the right standard."
Despite Hegseth's backtrack, Warren said his position will mean Americans "will all be less safe, and we can't let that happen."