The US Senate begins this Tuesday, January 14th, confirmation hearings for members of Donald Trump’s incoming administration. The process, which is expected to last several weeks, promises to be turbulent for some controversial candidates, most notably Pete Hegseth, who is slated to lead the Pentagon. Hegseth, a former major and Fox News host, has been criticized for his lack of experience, controversial statements about women in the military and a 2017 sexual assault allegation that he categorically denies.
Democrats, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, strongly oppose his nomination, citing behavior considered inappropriate, including excessive alcohol consumption. Hegseth, who wants to reform the Pentagon in what he calls “woke,” also sparked controversy when he suggested banning transgender people from the draft again.
While Donald Trump favored established Republican figures in his first term, this time he is relying on loyalists and financial support to put together 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 represents a test for the Republican majority in the Senate, which must decide on these sensitive appointments. If the Senate rejects any of these decisions, 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” who is determined to strengthen national defense and realign the United States’ military priorities.
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