Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing Tuesday, telling senators that unlike previous defense secretaries, he would be a “change agent” at the Pentagon. He spoke to the following people.
In his opening statement, he said:
Certainly, I don't have the same background as the Secretary of Defense over the last 30 years. But as President Trump told me, we have repeatedly placed people at the top of the Pentagon with the “right qualifications,” whether they are retired generals, academics or defense contractor executives. But where did that lead us? He believes it's time to hand over the helm to someone with dusty boots on his hands, and I humbly agree. Job change agent. A person who has no vested interest in a particular company, a particular program, or an approved story.
My only special interest is fighter jets. Deter wars and win wars if necessary. This is accomplished by ensuring that the warriors never engage in a fair fight. We let them win and then we take them home.
While Hegseth acknowledged that his background is different from past defense secretaries, he said his combat experience is a big advantage because he understands what the military has been through and can be an effective leader. Ta.
Like many people my age, I've been there. I led troops in combat… I was on patrol for days… I pulled the trigger downwards… I heard bullets flying… Rebels in flex cuffs… called for close air support. I… took command. [medical evacuations]…dodging IEDs… dragging out bodies… and kneeling before crosses on the battlefield… this is not academic for me. This is my life. I led it then, and I will continue to lead it.
He said his priorities were:
1. Restore the warrior spirit throughout the Department of Defense and combatant forces. In doing so, we will re-establish confidence in our military and address the crisis in Soldier recruitment, retention, and readiness. The strength of our military is not our differences, but our unity – our common purpose.
2. Rebuild the force by constantly matching threats and capabilities. This includes revitalizing our nation's defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process (no more “valley of death” for new defense companies), modernizing our nation's nuclear triad, and ensuring a Department of Defense audit. This includes rapid response to emerging technologies.
3. Re-establish deterrence. First and foremost, we protect our homeland – our borders and our skies. Second, we will work with our partners and allies to deter aggression by Communist China in the Indo-Pacific. Finally, we can end wars responsibly, prioritize resources, and redirect them toward bigger threats. We can no longer rely on “reputation deterrence.” What we need is real deterrence.
He also promised to focus on “warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards and readiness” and hold military leaders accountable.
“The Donald Trump administration's Department of Defense will achieve peace through force. And in pursuing these America First national security goals, we will be patriotically apolitical and… It remains strictly constitutional, unlike the current government. should not be involved in military matters. We are neither Republicans nor Democrats. Our standards will be high and equal (which is a completely different word. ),” he said, adding:
We ensure that all warfighters are fully qualified with respect to their assigned weapon systems, that all pilots are fully qualified and on board currently flying aircraft, and that all must ensure that generals and flag officers are selected for leadership purely on the basis of performance, readiness, and merit.
This hearing was one of the first times Mr. Hegseth was able to present himself directly to the American people.
But Democratic lawmakers opposed to President-elect Donald Trump and his nominees are using the opportunity to criticize anonymous sources reported by mainstream media, including allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and excessive drinking. It will raise suspicions and embarrass Mr. Hegseth.
Democrats have regurgitated the allegations in recent weeks, even though no one has come forward on the record to make such claims. Hegseth claims he is not qualified to hold the position.
Commenting on his qualifications, Hegseth said:
Ask anyone who has worked with me or for me. I know what I don't know. I am very much looking forward to discussing my successes as a leader…and my many successes with my former organizations, Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. I'm very proud of the work we did. My success as a leader has been…always setting a clear vision, hiring people who are smarter and more capable than me, empowering them to succeed, holding everyone accountable, and pointing them towards clear metrics. and promote it. Make a plan. Let's make a plan. And they work harder than those around them.
“The president has given me a clear vision and I intend to carry it out. I have sworn an oath to the Constitution before, and if it is confirmed, I will be proud.” “I'm going to take the oath again, this time for the most important development in my life,” he said.
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