Also taking to X to criticise Hegseth, former Democratic US Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell said: “Hegseth can’t name one country that’s part of ASEAN and he doesn’t know any of the US international security agreements. America, if you want peace and security, this ain’t it!”
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, is one of the most controversial figures ever nominated to be US secretary of defence.
The 44-year-old has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the military, questioning whether the top US general has the job because he is black. Prior to his nomination, Hegseth strongly opposed women in combat roles.
Several episodes from Hegseth’s past have also sparked concern among lawmakers, including a 2017 sexual assault allegation that did not result in charges and which he strongly denies, and accusations of excessive drinking and financial mismanagement at veterans’ organisations.
When asked by Republican Senator Roger Wicker, the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, about allegations Hegseth has faced, the nominee said that there was a “coordinated smear campaign” against him.
“I’m not a perfect person, but redemption is real,” Hegseth said, later asserting he was “falsely accused” of sexual assault and dismissing accounts of alcohol abuse as “anonymous smears”.
Hegseth can only afford three Republican rejections to be confirmed as the US defence chief, should every Democrat and independent vote against him.
But he has maintained Trump’s support while the excoriating headlines have multiplied, and Senate Republicans appear to be open to hearing him out.
