Hirono Presses Hegseth—Trump DOD Secretary Nominee —on Personal Misconduct, Loyalty to Constitution

Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, pressed Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, on his fitness to serve, character, and qualifications to lead the Department of Defense (DOD). During her line of inquiry, Senator Hirono questioned Mr. Hegseth on numerous reports of personal misconduct, sexual assault, and whether, if confirmed he will be loyal to the Constitution or Donald Trump. Senator Hirono began with two questions related to sexual misconduct, which she has asked every nominee since 2018. She also raised her concerns about reports of Mr. Hegseth’s personal misconduct, including regularly being drunk at work. Senator Hirono then asked Mr. Hegseth to commit, under oath, that he will resign if he drinks alcohol while serving as Secretary of Defense. Notably, Mr. Hegseth refused to make such a commitment, despite repeatedly claiming he will not drink if confirmed.