Hegseth denies allegations, pledges focus on Indo-Pacific strategy

During the Senate hearing, Pete Hegseth, the candidate for Secretary of Defense, firmly denied allegations of sexual assault and alcohol abuse. Hegseth, a well-known Fox News presenter, is one of the most controversial candidates for key roles in Donald Trump's cabinet.

During the hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth addressed accusations about his behaviour. He claimed they are the result of a "coordinated smear campaign."

- Our left-wing media in America today, sadly, doesn't care about the truth. All they were out to do was to destroy me because I’m a change agent and a threat to them. Despite the attacks, I stand committed to the truth and our warfighters (...) It is true that I don’t have a similar biography to Defense secretaries of the last 30 years. But, as President Trump also told me, we’ve repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly ‘the right credentials’ — whether they are retired generals, academics, or defence contractor executives — and where has it gotten us? - Hegseth stated, citing support from former colleagues.

Most of the senators' questions concerned his résumé and alleged lack of qualifications. When asked by Senator Mark Kelly whether the alleged incidents (including that he was carried out unconscious several times during official events) actually happened, he only said that they are "anonymous slander," although only some of the complaints were anonymous.

Hegseth admitted that he is not "perfect," but assured that he has reformed and was "saved by the grace of God, by Jesus and Jenny," his third wife. He also pledged not to consume alcohol.

Hegseth announced that his priority would be strengthening the military industry and confronting China. He plans to shift the focus from Europe and the Middle East to Asia, concentrating on the Indo-Pacific region. - First and foremost, we will defend our homeland—our borders and our skies - he emphasized.

He also noted that he would focus on returning to the military's "lethality," restoring the "warrior ethos."

When asked about his approach to the war in Ukraine, Hegseth said that it is a "presidential level" decision and that Donald Trump has clearly stated he wants to end this conflict. - We know who the aggressor is. We know who the good guy is. We want this to be as beneficial as possible for the Ukrainians. But this war needs to end - he added.

Despite initial signs of opposition from some Republican senators, Hegseth is likely to secure the necessary majority votes for his nomination. All Republican senators in the committee signalled support for him, including Joni Ernst, a military veteran. On Wednesday, other Trump nominees, including Marco Rubio and John Ratcliffe, will be heard.