Two Republican senators expressed confidence that Pete Hegseth will secure enough votes to be confirmed as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense. This follows a heated confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
Senators Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma and Tom Cotton from Arkansas appeared on a news show to discuss their views on Hegseth’s potential appointment to President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet. Senator Mullin remarked that he believes Hegseth will receive overwhelming support from Republicans, stating, “I think he is the right person for the job, and President Trump made an excellent choice in selecting him.”
Despite some initial skepticism from fellow Republican Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa regarding Hegseth’s past comments about women in combat and allegations of misconduct—allegations he has denied—she ultimately endorsed his nomination. Mullin praised Ernst for her willingness to meet with Hegseth multiple times leading up to the confirmation hearing.
Hegseth’s controversial views were highlighted during the hearings. He stated in a podcast that he believes women should not serve in combat roles, arguing that it complicates operations rather than making them more effective.
Senator Cotton, also weighing in on the nomination, expressed optimism about Hegseth’s chances of being confirmed soon. He urged Democrats not to stall the process, affirming that President Trump has the right to have his picks in place. Cotton criticized the impact of political correctness and social engineering in the military, emphasizing that troops need effective training to prepare them for combat situations, rather than focusing on identity politics.
Many Democratic senators raised concerns about Hegseth’s experience in leading organizations and questioned his qualifications for such a significant role, pointing out that being appointed to lead a complex organization like the Pentagon requires substantial experience.
As the nomination process unfolds, it is clear that opinions are sharply divided, reflecting the broader political climate. A Senate vote is anticipated in the coming week.
