Pete Hegseth is working to adapt his previously controversial military views.
In preparation for his potential confirmation, Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, has begun to moderate his former positions on women in combat and gays in the military, the Washington Examiner reported.
Pete Hegseth's prior public opposition to the presence of women in combat roles and gay persons serving openly has been a part of his ideological stance. He notably criticized the 2011 repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," citing it as part of a harmful, larger 'Marxist' agenda.
Amid increasing scrutiny, Hegseth engaged with Republican senators, including women who voiced reservations about his earlier views. These interactions have led to a noticeable shift in his public rhetoric towards more inclusive policies.
In recent statements and during crucial meetings on Capitol Hill with influential senators such as Rand Paul (R-KY), Hegseth affirmed his support for allowing gays to serve openly in the military. He then underscored this position by supporting women's roles in the armed forces in a televised Fox News interview.
Meetings with Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) also focused on Hegseth's past remarks. Sen. Collins has been particularly vocal about her concerns, pressing Hegseth on these critical social issues that affect military personnel.
The transition team’s spokesperson has emphasized a clear military focus under Trump's administration, stating that readiness and lethality should override social and cultural debates.
The spokesperson articulated, “While inclusivity matters, so does maintaining a lethal and prepared military. This means meeting high standards without compromise.” Sen. Joni Ernst echoed this sentiment by noting Hegseth’s reassurances regarding his support of women in the military.
Administered by Sen. Joni Ernst's office:
Pete Hegseth agreed to assign a senior official dedicated to ensuring equality and combating sexual assault within the ranks—a clear nod to prioritizing capability and quality in military service.
However, Hegseth's confirmation path is not without controversy. Allegations have surfaced, including a disputed sexual assault incident from 2017, claims of alcohol misuse, and questions around his leadership in veterans' organizations. Hegseth has consistently denied these allegations.
Hegseth’s confirmation requires significant backing, especially with a narrow Republican majority in the upcoming Congress of 53-47. This balance places even greater importance on garnering support from both sides of the aisle amid Democratic skepticism.
His shift in stance has been met with cautious optimism by some party members. While acknowledging the controversies, several senators seem ready to support Hegseth, provided he maintains his commitment to inclusivity and upholds rigorous standards within the military. His recent public affirmations and commitments could very well be pivotal in his confirmation proceedings.
The appointment of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense will hinge on his ability to reconcile his past positions with current defense challenges while satisfying both conservative and moderate viewpoints within the Senate. As the confirmation process unfolds, his ability to address these complex issues could prove crucial in addressing both external threats and internal cohesion within the U.S. military.
