Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, made his case to senators Tuesday amid polarized opinions about his suitability for the role.
Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran and former Fox News host, positioned himself during the confirmation hearing as a "change agent" dedicated to bolstering American defense. But he faced sharp questioning from Democrats about his qualifications and past conduct, including concerns about a chest tattoo that some have described as an extremist symbol.
Why It Matters
Hegseth is among Trump's most contentious Cabinet nominees, known for his calls to eliminate "woke" military leaders and his stance against women serving in combat roles. He has also advocated for pardoning service members accused of war crimes.
The former TV host has faced additional scrutiny over allegations of excessive drinking and a sexual assault accusation from eight years ago. He was not charged, and a spokesperson for Trump's transition team told Newsweek that Hegseth has "vigorously denied any and all accusations."
His lawyer previously told Newsweek, "Although an allegation was made, it was fully investigated, and Pete was cleared. This unfortunate episode should have zero impact on the confirmation process."
What Does a Jerusalem Cross Tattoo Mean?
GOP Senator Kevin Cramer raised the issue of Hegseth's chest tattoo during the hearing, asking him to clarify its significance. Hegseth emphasized its religious meaning.
"It's called the Jerusalem cross. It's a historic Christian symbol," he said. "In fact, interestingly, recently I attended briefly the memorial ceremony of former President Jimmy Carter, on the floor of our national cathedral. On the front page of his program was the very same Jerusalem cross. It is a Christian religious symbol."
Hegseth also reiterated a claim he has made previously: that his tattoos led to his removal from National Guard duty at President Joe Biden's inauguration. The National Guard has not confirmed whether his tattoos were the reason.
However, critics argue that the Jerusalem cross symbol have been adopted by extremist groups, including white supremacist movements. Such associations have drawn sharp scrutiny from Democrats, who question whether the tattoo aligns with the values of someone nominated to lead the Department of Defense.
What Is Pete Hegseth's Religion?
Hegseth identifies as a Christian and has often expressed his faith publicly. His religious beliefs are central to his personal and professional identity, as demonstrated by the prominent Jerusalem cross tattoo on his chest. Hegseth has described the tattoo as a representation of his Christian values and has linked his faith to his worldview and leadership style.
Throughout his career, Hegseth has defended Christian principles, frequently advocating for policies and cultural perspectives aligned with conservative Christian values. In his defense against criticism of his tattoos, Hegseth emphasized their spiritual rather than political meaning, framing the scrutiny as an attack on his faith.
Hegseth's statements during his Senate confirmation hearing highlighted the importance of his religion in his life. He noted the widespread use of the Jerusalem cross in Christian contexts, citing its inclusion in a program for former President Jimmy Carter's memorial service at Washington's National Cathedral as an example of its religious significance.
Did Pete Hegseth Get Confirmed?
As of Tuesday, Hegseth has not been confirmed as secretary of defense. The committee has not yet voted on his nomination, and a full Senate vote is pending.
What People Are Saying
JD Vance, vice president-elect, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "The grandstanding from Senate Democrats over the Hegseth confirmation is perplexing. We haven't won a war in three decades, and we face a major recruitment challenge. Hegseth is clearly not more of the same—and that's a good thing!"
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said on X: "Women make up nearly one in five members of our military - serving on the frontlines. But Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, doesn't believe women in the military should serve in combat roles."
What's Next
While Hegseth has made headlines because of his controversies, reports from Capitol Hill suggest that his nomination is likely to move forward, particularly given the GOP's control of the chamber. If confirmed, Hegseth would take over a military grappling with significant global crises and domestic challenges, including recruitment shortfalls, retention issues and contentious debates over funding.
The secretary of defense oversees the deployment and management of hundreds of thousands of U.S. military personnel stationed worldwide, including those in active combat zones.
Although operational deployment decisions are typically made by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the combatant commanders, the defense secretary provides critical policy recommendations to the president on strategic military priorities.
The secretary also plays a central diplomatic role, engaging with international leaders on a wide range of security concerns. The secretary frequently participates in NATO discussions as a key partner with allied nations, ensuring cohesive defense strategies across the alliance.
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