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Sen. Duckworth Raises Concerns Over Trump’s Defense Secretary Nominee
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) expressed her objections on Monday regarding President-elect Trump’s choice for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth. She argued that Hegseth is “vulnerable” to potential blackmail by foreign adversaries and reaffirmed her belief that he is not equipped to lead the Pentagon.
During her appearance on MSNBC’s “Reid Out,” Duckworth, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated, “It would sow confusion because our leaders in the military would not know what they could discuss with the secretary of defense.” She emphasized the implications Hegseth’s nomination could have on international relations, suggesting, “For our allies, I would be reluctant to share information with the United States military, our leadership information that would keep us safe because they wouldn’t know that this man is compromised.”
Highlighting the significance of thorough background checks, Duckworth remarked, “The point of the background check is to ensure that the individual nominated cannot be compromised, blackmailed, or bribed. These are all factors that should inform me as a senator who participates in the advise and consent process.”
Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, is set to testify at a Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday. His nomination has faced considerable scrutiny, particularly following a series of media reports detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement during his tenure at Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). Hegseth has denied the allegations and dismissed claims of misconduct as unfounded attacks.
Despite the backlash, support for Hegseth’s nomination appears to be gaining traction. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), an influential member of the committee, has indicated her backing for Trump’s nominee, despite previously advocating against sexual abuse within the military.
While Hegseth has successfully passed an FBI background check, details of the report have only been disclosed to Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Ranking Democrat Sen. Jack Reed (R.I.).
A former Army helicopter pilot, Duckworth remained steadfast in her criticisms of Hegseth, asserting that he lacks the necessary management experience for the role. She voiced her concerns further, questioning, “What if another woman comes forward while he’s serving as secretary of defense? What if they provide evidence about past misconduct? That would put us in a precarious situation with a defense secretary potentially susceptible to intimidation or bribery from foreign powers.”
Source
thehill.com