Senate debate transcripts and media analysis

Pete Hegseth Faces Grilling, Protests; Confirmation Odds Surge to 88%

Jan 14, 2025, 06:34 PM

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, faced a contentious Senate confirmation hearing. Democrats grilled Hegseth over allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking, and his past comments opposing women serving in combat roles. Protesters interrupted the hearing multiple times, with one calling him a "misogynist" and "Christian Zionist." Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sharply criticized Hegseth, asking, "What's wrong with a mom, by the way? Once you have babies, you therefore are no longer able to be lethal?" Hegseth defended himself against the allegations, calling them a "coordinated smear campaign" and stating, "When President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense." Despite the heated exchanges, Republican senators expressed strong support for Hegseth, and he appears on track to be confirmed. His confirmation odds on Polymarket surged to 88%. Hegseth pledged to restore the "warrior ethos" to the Pentagon and emphasized his commitment to the military.