The US Senate will begin confirmation hearings for members of Donald Trump’s incoming administration this Tuesday, January 14. Those proceedings, which are expected to last several weeks, promise to be stormy for certain controversial nominees, starting with Pentagon nominee Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, a former major and Fox News anchor, has been criticized for his lack of experience, controversial statements about women in the military and a 2017 sexual assault allegation that he vehemently denies.
Democrats, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, are strongly opposed to his candidacy, citing behavior deemed inappropriate, including excessive alcohol consumption. Hegseth, who plans to reform the Pentagon in what he describes as an “awakening,” also sparked controversy by proposing to ban transgender recruits again.
If Donald Trump had favored Republican figures during his first term, this time he will bet on loyalists and financial support when forming his cabinet. In addition to Pete Hegseth, Kristi Noem (Homeland Security), Pam Bondi (Justice) and Marco Rubio (Foreign Affairs) will appear before Senate committees in the coming days.
-Pete Hegseth’s nomination is a test for the Senate Republican majority, which must decide on these sensitive appointments. If the Senate were to reject one of these options, it would be a historic setback for Donald Trump on the eve of his return to the White House.
Despite the controversy, the president-elect reiterated his support for Pete Hegseth, calling him a “winner” determined to strengthen national defense and refocus US military priorities.
