Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer convened a meeting with Democratic members of the Senate Armed Services Committee just hours before the commencement of Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense. This last-minute gathering underscores the Democrats' strong opposition to the former Fox News host's nomination.
The meeting comes on the heels of Schumer's call for Democrats to rigorously question Trump's nominees during their confirmation hearings, pressing them to address controversial aspects of the Trump agenda. Democrats aim to establish a clear record of their concerns about the nominees from the outset.
Schumer publicly expressed his reservations about Hegseth, citing concerns about his "radical views," alleged "excessive drinking," allegations of "sexual assault," and purported financial mismanagement of various organizations. Hegseth has denied all these allegations.
The Democratic members of the Senate Armed Services Committee include prominent figures such as Ranking Member Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, Kirsten Gillibrand, Richard Blumenthal, Mazie Hirono, Tim Kaine, Angus King, Elizabeth Warren, Gary Peters, Tammy Duckworth, Jacky Rosen, Mark Kelly, and Elissa Slotkin.
Following a brief meeting with Hegseth the previous week, Senator Reed expressed continuing concerns about Hegseth's qualifications, stating that the meeting "raised more questions than answers." He emphasized the importance of subjecting Hegseth to the same level of scrutiny as previous nominees for this crucial position.
