Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing this week is shaping up to be anything but smooth sailing, according to a former Republican staffer. Brendan Buck, who worked closely with past House speakers, warns that Hegseth, nominated to lead the Department of Defense, could face some serious challenges.
A Tough Battle Ahead
During an interview with MSNBC, Buck shared that Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a veteran and sexual assault survivor, hasn’t fully warmed up to Hegseth yet. Despite being a nominee for a major role, Hegseth will appear before the Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, where he’s hoping to make his case. But it’s clear: Ernst has concerns.
Hegseth, a former Army officer, has been dogged by controversy ever since his nomination. From accusations of a drinking problem to allegations of financial mismanagement and sexual harassment, it’s been a rough ride. He’s even paid off a woman who accused him of sexual assault, although he denies the allegations.
Ernst’s Serious Concerns
Ernst, who once held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, has been outspoken about her opposition to Hegseth. She’s made it clear that his past comments—particularly one where he suggested that women like her shouldn’t be in combat—are a real issue. But recently, she’s softened her stance a bit, stating she’s open to hearing his testimony.
So, why is this so important? Well, Ernst holds a crucial role in the Senate and, as Buck points out, she’s one of the key senators that Hegseth still needs to win over. Buck said, “There’s one key senator on that panel who he has not yet won over… Joni Ernst of Iowa.” This isn’t just about political rivalry—it’s personal. Ernst has a lot at stake here, and she’ll be asking the tough questions that could determine Hegseth’s fate.
Will He Pass the Test?
As the confirmation hearing gets underway, the big question is: Can Hegseth address the critical issues head-on? Buck warned that if Hegseth falls back on talking points about “wokeness” in the military, instead of diving into substantive questions about the future of American defense, it could hurt him.
It’s a test of knowledge and leadership—something Tulsi Gabbard struggled with in her own confirmation hearings. Gabbard, a former Democrat with controversial ties to Russia, faced tough questioning because she couldn’t show a strong understanding of the responsibilities of her potential role.
Buck emphasized the importance of knowing your stuff: “If the people nominated don’t actually know the substance of what they’re supposed to be running, I think you could run into real trouble.” Hegseth needs to prove he’s ready, not just for a political fight, but for the future of America’s defense strategy.
The Stakes Are High
With Trump and Elon Musk weighing in on the matter, it’s clear that any senator who opposes Hegseth might face political fallout. But for now, all eyes are on Joni Ernst—she could be the key to whether Hegseth moves forward or not.
Stay tuned, because this confirmation hearing could set the tone for Hegseth’s future in politics—and for the direction of American defense.
