Hegseth Slams Media Narrative at Senate Confirmation Hearing [WATCH]

On Tuesday, U.S. Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) opened the hearing on Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Defense by addressing the controversy surrounding his candidacy.

Wicker asked Hegseth directly whether reports of alcohol abuse and allegations of sexual harassment during his career were true and if they should disqualify him from the role.

Hegseth strongly denied the allegations, attributing them to a coordinated “smear campaign” by media outlets such as The New York Times and The New Yorker.

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He accused these organizations of prioritizing an agenda over the truth and attempting to discredit him because of his association with former President Donald Trump.

“The media in America today, sadly, doesn’t care about the truth. All they’re out to do, Mr. Chairman, is to destroy me,” Hegseth said.

“And why do they want to destroy me? Because I’m a change agent and a threat to them because Donald Trump was willing to choose me, to empower me, to bring the Defense Department back to what it really should be, which is warfighting.”

Hegseth remained resolute during his nearly 90-second defense, pledging to see the nomination process through to the Senate floor.

Hegseth cited numerous testimonials from former colleagues and military personnel to counter the accusations.

“We have provided… on-the-record statement after on-the-record statement from people who have served with me, worked with me at Fox News, Concerned Vets, Vets for Freedom, you name it,” he said. “From the top of the chain to the bottom, from people who say I treat them with respect, with kindness, with dignity. That’s men, that’s women, that’s Black, that’s white, that’s every background.”

A letter released last month by the Trump transition team included endorsements from former military personnel who served under Hegseth in Guantanamo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Additionally, former colleagues from his tenure at Fox & Friends also publicly vouched for his character and professionalism.

Hegseth reiterated his determination to press forward despite the allegations, stating he would not allow baseless accusations to derail his nomination.

“So I’m willing to endure these attacks,” he said.

“But what I will do is stand up for the truth and for my reputation. False attacks, anonymous attacks, repeated ad nauseam, printed ad nauseam as facts.”

He also acknowledged his imperfections, crediting his faith and his wife, Jenny, for his personal growth.

“I pride myself on being a leader of people and being a professional. I’m not a perfect person, as has been acknowledged. Saved by the grace of God, by Jesus and Jenny,” Hegseth said, drawing light laughter from the audience.

“But redemption is real, and God forged me in ways I know I’m prepared for.”

Pete Hegseth Slams Fake News Media at Senate Confirmation Hearing…

U.S. Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) opened the hearing on Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Defense by addressing the controversy surrounding his candidacy.

Wicker… pic.twitter.com/5nIr3aqPxS

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The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to vote on Hegseth’s nomination later this week, advancing it to the full Senate for consideration.

The outcome will likely hinge on partisan lines, as Republicans have voiced strong support while Democrats have expressed concerns over the allegations.

Hegseth’s testimony underscored his resolve to lead the Department of Defense and his belief that his leadership experience and dedication to military service qualify him for the role despite the controversy.

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