Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, where he made controversial claims about global conflicts and defended religious symbols that have sparked debate about his views.
During the marathon four-hour session, Hegseth, Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, claimed President Biden's 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal directly led to both Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"The world recognized weakness for what it was," Hegseth told GOP Senator Jim Banks, arguing that the criticized Afghanistan exit triggered a chain of global crises - though he provided no evidence linking these events.
The hearing, closely watched as Trump's first major cabinet nomination for his second term, was repeatedly interrupted by protesters critical of U.S. support for Israel. When given a chance to respond, Hegseth took a hard-line stance, stating he "support[s] Israel destroying and killing every last member of Hamas."
Religious Symbols Spark Debate
A significant portion of the hearing focused on Hegseth's religious expression, particularly a Jerusalem cross tattoo that previously led to controversy. Hegseth claimed he was barred from guarding Biden's inauguration because the tattoo led his unit to label him an extremist.
"It's a historic Christian symbol," Hegseth defended, noting its appearance at former President Carter's funeral at Washington National Cathedral. Republican Senator Kevin Cramer strongly backed Hegseth, calling critics of the tattoo "the real extremists."
Challenges to Confirmation
Despite initial Republican hesitation over Hegseth's nomination - stemming from sexual misconduct allegations, reported alcoholism issues, and his past opposition to women in combat roles - the party appeared to rally behind him as the hearing progressed.
Hegseth has denied allegations about alcoholism and pledged not to drink while serving. He's also walked back his previous stance on women in combat roles.
If confirmed, Hegseth would oversee crucial U.S. military operations, including support for Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, which has now stretched past 15 months. A confirmation vote is scheduled for Monday, coinciding with Trump's inauguration.
The former Fox & Friends Weekend host would be stepping into a role previously held by Lloyd Austin, who has made multiple trips to the region and overseen U.S. military support operations, including the construction of a failed aid pier in Gaza and missile defense systems.
There's no doubt that Hegseth is a colorful character, but whether or not he is up to the task is anyone's guess.
JTA contributed to this article.
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