Sen. Lindsey Graham (RS.C.), who last month called allegations of sexual assault and other misconduct against Pete Hegseth “deeply disturbing,” on Tuesday announced that he is President-elect Trump's nominee for Pentagon chief. said he now seemed “confident” of victory. Senate confirmation.
Mr. Graham predicted that Mr. Hegseth was certain to pass through the Senate Armed Services Committee and receive enough votes on the Senate floor for confirmation after several hours of tough questioning.
“The attack on our democracy was so personal that it failed. It was clear that Mr. Pete was better prepared for the hearing than his Democratic colleagues,” Graham said.
“With today's performance, I believe Pete Hegseth's path to confidence is secured,” he declared.
The South Carolina senator claimed that Hegseth “answered difficult questions very well” during the hearing, while also offering a vision for reforming the Department of Defense.
One of the most tense moments came when Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) blasted Mr. Hegseth about his multiple marriages and extramarital affairs, and even committed acts of violence against one of his spouses. That's when I asked.
But the fireworks did little to change Republican senators' minds.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), the ranking Republican vote on the committee, did not ask about the allegations against Hegseth, instead saying she would give women access to combat roles and crack down on sexual assault. He focused on advancing his own priorities. army.
When the committee votes on Hegseth's nomination next week, not a single Republican on the committee showed any signs of disapproval.
