Top Democrat on Armed Services Committee Says Hegseth Lacks ‘Character, Composure, and Competence’ To Lead the Pentagon

Senator Reed noted that he has voted for all of the previous eight defense secretary nominees regardless of party, though this time will mark the first that he does not support the president’s choice.

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Pete Hegseth, President Trump's choice to be Defense Secretary, appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol at Washington. AP/Alex Brandon

MATTHEW RICE

Jan 14, 2025, 10:17 AM ET

At the opening of defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, Senator Reed, slammed Mr. Hegseth for the numerous accusations levied against him with respect to sexual assault and alcohol abuse, raised concerns about Mr. Hegseth’s support for a Navy SEAL convicted of war crimes, and highlighted the nominee’s bombastic political rhetoric.

Top Democrat on Armed Services Committee Says Hegseth Lacks ‘Character, Composure, and Competence’ To Lead the Pentagon

Top Democrat on Armed Services Committee Says Hegseth Lacks ‘Character, Composure, and Competence’ To Lead the Pentagon

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