 "Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be US Defence Secretary walks with his wife Jennifer Rauchet in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, December 11, 2024. File Image/Reuters")
Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and decorated veteran, has been confirmed as the new United States Secretary of Defence after a dramatic and closely contested Senate vote.
His appointment, marked by US Vice President JD Vance casting a tie-breaking vote, has sparked fierce debate across party lines.
While his supporters hail his military credentials and promise to bring a “warrior culture” to the Pentagon, critics have raised serious concerns about his temperament, qualifications, and controversial past, which include allegations of sexual misconduct, domestic abuse, financial mismanagement, and opposition to women in combat roles.
How Hegseth was confirmed
The Senate vote to confirm Hegseth was one of the most contentious in recent memory, reflecting deep divisions over his nomination. Three Republican senators — Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins — joined all Democrats and independents in voting against him, resulting in a rare 50-50 split.
Vance’s intervention to break the tie underscored the stakes of the decision.
US President Donald Trump, celebrating Hegseth’s confirmation, dismissed the dissent within his party, declaring, “We have a great secretary of defence, and we’re very happy.”
Trump’s ability to push through such a controversial nomination is seen as a testament to his influence over the Republican Party and his determination to prioritise loyalty over bipartisan consensus.
However, Hegseth’s confirmation process was anything but smooth. Senators scrued his record and personal conduct, with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski warning that his behaviours “starkly contrast” with the values expected of military leadership.
Senator Susan Collins echoed these concerns, stating that she was unconvinced Hegseth had genuinely reconsidered his controversial views on women in combat.
As Secretary of Defence, Hegseth now oversees the Department of Defence, the federal government’s largest agency, with a budget of $850 billion and responsibility for nearly 2.1 million service members and 780,000 civilian employees.
Controversies around Pete Hegseth
Sexual misconduct & domestic abuse allegations
Hegseth’s past has been plagued by accusations that raised questions about his fitness for the role. A 2017 sexual assault allegation , though not resulting in charges, loomed large during his confirmation.
According to reports, the incident involved Hegseth allegedly blocking a hotel room door to prevent a woman from leaving. While he denied the accusation, he later paid the woman $50,000 in a settlement.
More allegations emerged during the confirmation process. An affidavit submitted by Hegseth’s former sister-in-law alleged that he exhibited abusive behaviour toward his second wife, Samantha Hegseth, to the point where she feared for her safety.
The affidavit detailed instances where Samantha reportedly hid in a closet to escape him and used a “safe word” with friends to signal distress. Both Hegseth and his ex-wife have denied these claims, and no allegations of domestic abuse were raised in their divorce proceedings.
Despite these denials, the allegations have cast a long shadow over his nomination, particularly as the military grapples with its ongoing struggles to address issues of sexual assault and harassment within its ranks.
Far-right tattoos spark caution
Pete Hegseth’s tattoos have sparked significant turmoil , with critics pointing to their alignment with far-right Christian nationalist symbols.
Among them are a Jerusalem cross, an American flag with 13 stars intertwined with an assault rifle, and the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” (“God wills it”), a medieval crusader motto.
Extremism experts have raised concerns over the imagery, suggesting it reflects controversial ideological leanings unfit for a defense secretary.
Financial mismanagement & alleged misuse of funds
Hegseth’s leadership of two veterans’ organisations — Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America — has also drawn scrutiny. Whistleblowers and former colleagues have accused him of financial mismanagement, claiming he treated organisational funds as if they were his personal expense account.
At Veterans for Freedom, Hegseth’s alleged financial mismanagement led to significant donor dissatisfaction, with some attempting to take control of the organisation. Ultimately, the group was forced to merge with another organisation due to financial instability.
Similar accusations surfaced during his time at Concerned Veterans for America, with critics arguing that his leadership style undermined the credibility and effectiveness of the nonprofit.
These concerns were amplified during his confirmation hearing, where senators questioned his handling of finances and accountability. While Hegseth admitted to making financial errors, he denied any intentional wrongdoing.
Controversial views on women in combat
Hegseth’s views on women serving in combat roles have been a lightning rod for criticism. For years, he openly opposed the idea, arguing that it undermined military effectiveness.
“I’m straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles,” he said on a podcast in November. “It hasn’t made us more effective, hasn’t made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated.”
As his nomination faced increasing scrutiny, Hegseth walked back his comments, claiming his views had evolved. However, many lawmakers remained unconvinced. Senator Joni Ernst, a veteran and sexual assault survivor, initially expressed scepticism about his suitability but ultimately voted to confirm him, citing the need for unity within the Republican Party.
The controversy over Hegseth’s views has raised broader questions about gender equity in the military and the message his appointment sends to service members, particularly women aspiring to leadership roles.
Allegations of excessive drinking and workplace misconduct
Hegseth’s alleged history of excessive drinking has also been a focal point of criticism. Reports from whistleblowers and former colleagues claim he was frequently intoxicated at events hosted by the nonprofits he led and even during work-related meetings.
According to one whistleblower report, Hegseth was seen drinking heavily at family gatherings and once had to be removed from a strip club while in uniform.
During his confirmation hearing, he acknowledged his past drinking habits but vowed to abstain from alcohol while serving as defence secretary. Despite his assurances, he refused to commit to resigning if he violated this promise.
With inputs from agencies