Senator Rosen Joins Letter Raising Concerns About Pete Hegseth’s Nomination

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined her Democratic colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee in sending a letter to President-Elect Trump’s incoming Chief of Staff Susan Wiles questioning Pete Hegseth’s qualifications to be the next Secretary of Defense. The letter (see below) cites Hegseth’s attitudes toward women, opposition to women in combat, and allegations of sexual assault and harassment as potential reasons for his disqualification.

Rosen joined Senators Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Duckworth, Mazie Harano, Kristin Gillibrand, Tim Kaine, and Richard Blumenthal.

“Experts tell us that meeting current recruiting goals and building the cutting-edge force we need for the future requires recruiting more women to the force,” wrote the Senators. “Mr. Hegseth’s ill-informed views ignore the significant role women have played in combat roles for the United States of America. His dismissal of women as warfighters drives away both potential recruits and women who are already serving in the armed forces.”

“The allegation that Mr. Hegseth sexually assaulted a woman and personally contributed to creating a hostile work environment for female employees raises severe concerns about his ability to address the Department of Defense’s problems with sexual assault,” the Senators continued.

The allegations of sexual assault against Hegseth did not result in any criminal charges and Hegseth has denied the allegations.

POLITICO reports that at least a dozen senators are pushing to see the FBI’s background check on Hegseth:

At least a dozen senators are pushing to see the FBI’s background check on Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s embattled pick for Pentagon chief — a rare move for the committee that oversees his confirmation and a sign the former Fox News host still faces hurdles in the Senate.

Unlike some other committees, the Senate Armed Services usually limits access to these types of background checks to its two lead senators. But pressure is building from both Democrats and Republicans to provide more lawmakers with the ongoing report, whose contents could determine whether Hegseth makes it to the Pentagon.

Hegseth’s confirmation hearing is expected on January 14, 2025.