Pete Hegseth, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be secretary of defense, testifies before a Senate Committee on Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 14, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) called into question Pete Hegseth's "character" at the beginning of the former Fox News Host's confirmation hearings for secretary of defense.
"Mr. Hegseth, you are the ninth nominee for secretary of defense I have had the honor to consider as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee," Reed said. "I have voted in favor of all your predecessors, including those in the first Trump administration.
"Unfortunately, you lack the character, composure, and competence to hold the position of secretary of defense."
During his statement, Reed mentioned allegations of a controversial past including sexual abuse, financial mismanagement and issues with alcohol.
