(VitalNews.org) – Claiming concerns over ethical standing and qualifications, Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth attacked President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary.
Duckworth, a combat veteran, said Pete Hegseth’s views on women in military roles are outdated and damaging.
Hegseth previously stated he believed women should not serve in combat, sparking controversy among liberals. Duckworth rebuked his views, labeling them “flat-out wrong.”
“I’m straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. It hasn’t made us more effective, hasn’t made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth, who is an Army veteran and former Fox News host, faces significant criticism for his nomination.
Critics point to a past sexual assault allegation, which Hegseth denies but settled financially. Duckworth argues this is an example of troubling ethical concerns.
Duckworth attacked Hegseth’s military experience by saying he served as an infantry officer but never held a command position beyond platoon leader.
She stressed that Hegseth lacks the experience to lead and manage 3 million military personnel and a $900 billion budget.
“He was a pretty low-ranking guy in the military, and he never had a command position. He was a platoon leader, I think, once or twice, but he never even commanded a company. And so this is a man who is inordinately unqualified for the position,” Duckworth asserted.
Duckworth warned Senate Republicans might speed up nominations without thorough vetting, raising concerns over alleged unchecked appointments.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, a CBS News poll revealed that Hegseth’s appointment was met positively.
33% of Americans said he was a good choice, 28% said they opposed his nomination and 39% said they lacked enough information to make a decision.
Nevertheless, some Republican senators remain quietly opposed, showing cracks within party lines concerning Hegseth’s nomination.
The scrutiny does not end with Hegseth. Other Trump administration picks, like former Rep. Matt Gaetz, have faced backlash and scrutiny.
Gaetz finally withdrew his name from consideration after a meeting with Senate Republicans. The President-elect chose Pam Bondi as Gaetz’s replacement.
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