Investing.com -- The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee has planned a confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, the nominee for secretary of defense, on Jan. 14, 2025, according to a source familiar with the matter. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his backing for Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, despite the nominee facing challenges due to allegations of misconduct in his personal and professional life.
Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran, has been actively campaigning for the role, spending a significant amount of time meeting with Republican senators, whose support he needs to garner the required 51 "yes" votes for confirmation. As of now, no Republican senator has publicly announced opposition to Hegseth's nomination. Many have expressed interest in the revelations that might emerge during his hearing. Following the hearing, the Armed Services Committee will vote on Hegseth's nomination before it is considered by the entire Senate.
Hegseth, who has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, earning two Bronze Stars, has faced criticism for his lack of management experience necessary to lead the 1.3 million active-duty service members and nearly 1 million civilians working for the U.S. military.
In 2017, a woman filed a sexual assault complaint against Hegseth, as per a California police report. However, Hegseth was never charged and has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer recently stated that they might take legal action against the accuser if Hegseth's nomination is not confirmed.
Republicans, allies of Trump, will assume control of the Senate on Jan. 3, 2025, with a 53-47 seat majority. If Democrats unanimously oppose Hegseth, he cannot afford to lose the support of more than three Republicans.
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