Republican strategist Scott Jennings and Washington Post columnist Catherine Rampell had a heated exchange during a CNN panel discussion Tuesday night, sparking debate over Pete Hegseth’s qualifications to lead the Department of Defense.
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran turned “Fox & Friends Weekend” co-host, for the role on November 12. While discussing Hegseth’s appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Rampell referred to him dismissively as “a TV host,” triggering an impassioned response from Jennings.
“Why would you downplay this man’s service?” Jennings questioned. “Twenty years of service, decorated, an Ivy League graduate — and you reduce him to just being a TV host?”
Rampell doubled down, saying Hegseth’s media career was his “main qualification.” Jennings shot back, calling that claim “baloney” and emphasizing Hegseth’s combat experience and leadership.
Hegseth served with the Minnesota National Guard, deploying to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Twice awarded the Bronze Star, he also led veteran advocacy groups Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. Jennings argued this made him uniquely qualified to connect with enlisted personnel, adding, “He’s a warfighter who understands the sacrifices of the average soldier.”
The tension escalated when Rampell brought up Hegseth’s controversial advocacy for pardons for certain military personnel. Jennings countered fiercely, saying, “You’re attacking him for standing up for soldiers? That’s ridiculous.”
As the debate unfolded, Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa announced her support for Hegseth’s confirmation. Whether Hegseth’s blend of military experience and public presence is enough to win over critics remains to be seen, but the nomination has clearly ignited passionate opinions on both sides.
