“Pete Hegseth Inches Closer to Defense Secretary Role Amid Controversy!”
Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s controversial pick for Defense Secretary, cleared a key hurdle in the Senate on Thursday despite facing allegations of rape, domestic abuse, excessive drinking, and mismanagement.
In a 51-49 vote, the Senate advanced Hegseth’s nomination, setting up a final confirmation vote by Friday night. Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposing him but fell short of blocking the nomination. Hegseth, 44, a former Fox & Friends co-host, has faced scrutiny over past comments on women in the military and a series of allegations, including an eight-year-old rape claim that did not result in charges. During his confirmation hearing, Hegseth denied the accusations, dismissing them as part of a “coordinated smear campaign.”
The controversy deepened this week when Hegseth’s former sister-in-law sent the Senate Armed Services Committee a signed statement accusing him of threatening his ex-wife, disparaging women, Muslims, and Mexican-Americans, and drinking excessively. She also alleged an incident where Hegseth, in military uniform, had to be removed from a strip club in Minneapolis while receiving a lap dance.
Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, denied the allegations, pointing to court filings in which his ex-wife stated there was no physical abuse during their marriage. However, CNN reported that his ex-wife recently gave the FBI a statement detailing his alleged alcohol abuse.
The FBI has briefed Senate leaders multiple times on the allegations, with Democratic Senator Jack Reed calling the reports “true and accurate.” Republican Senator Roger Wicker, however, described them as “starkly and factually inaccurate,” insisting the claims “do not pass scrutiny.”
Senate Democrats demanded Pete Hegseth meet privately with all committee members before a final vote, citing their constitutional duty to vet him thoroughly. “It would be irresponsible to confirm this nomination without doing so,” they said Wednesday.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, moments before voting against Hegseth on Thursday, explained her decision on X: “After thorough evaluation, I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense.” She cited allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking, along with Hegseth’s admitted infidelity, as evidence of poor judgment unbecoming of a Pentagon leader. Murkowski also criticized his lack of experience and past opposition to women in combat roles, stating she was “at peace” with her decision.
Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, has built a reputation as a vocal critic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the military, aligning with Trump’s stance against such programs. During his confirmation hearing, Hegseth portrayed himself as a disruptor ready to reform a military bogged down by “woke” policies, despite admitting he had only managed a few hundred employees—far from the Pentagon’s 3 million personnel and $850 billion budget.
Democrats grilled Hegseth on allegations of public intoxication, financial mismanagement of veterans’ nonprofits, and a 2017 sexual assault claim. While the assault resulted in no charges, Hegseth reportedly paid the accuser to remain silent, claiming it would harm his Fox News career. The allegations, combined with testimony from his ex-wife and sister-in-law about threats, excessive drinking, and demeaning behavior, underscored Democratic concerns about his treatment of women.
A 2018 email from Hegseth’s mother, later retracted on Fox News after Trump nominated him, described him as “an abuser of women” and accused him of lying, cheating, and using women for power and ego.
Republicans dismissed the allegations as “anonymous smears” and argued Hegseth’s lack of traditional qualifications was a strength. Senator Roger Wicker defended Hegseth’s record, claiming he was the change the Pentagon needed. Senator Joni Ernst, a military veteran, ended speculation about her vote by backing Hegseth after his reassurances at the hearing.
Democrats, however, pushed back, with Senator Tammy Duckworth criticizing Hegseth’s hypocrisy. “He talks about not lowering standards for others, yet we’re being asked to lower the standards for him to lead the military,” she said. Hegseth’s recent podcast remarks opposing women in combat further fueled opposition, though he walked back the comments before the hearing.
Until a new Defense Secretary is confirmed, Trump has appointed retired Marine Corps officer Robert Salesses to oversee the Pentagon’s duties.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pete Hegseth moves a step closer to being Trump’s Defense secretary, despite allegations