During a recent Senate confirmation hearing, Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., raised concerns about the past behavior of secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, leading to a heated exchange between the two.
Kaine referenced Hegseth's previous marriages and an incident in October 2017 where Hegseth was accused of sexual assault in Monterey, California. Hegseth maintained his innocence and stated that he was fully investigated and cleared of any wrongdoing.
One of the contentious points in the hearing was Kaine's questioning of Hegseth's fidelity, particularly regarding an alleged incident less than two months after the birth of his daughter from a previous relationship. Kaine pressed Hegseth on whether he honored his wedding vows and accused him of withholding information during the vetting process.
Hegseth defended himself, stating that the accusations were false and reiterated that he had been cleared of any misconduct. He also emphasized his commitment to his current marriage and family.
The exchange between Kaine and Hegseth drew criticism from conservatives on social media, with some condemning Kaine for bringing up Hegseth's daughter in the discussion. Senator Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., also expressed disapproval of Kaine's line of questioning during the hearing.
Despite the contentious nature of the exchange, Kaine continued to press Hegseth on various allegations, including his relationship with alcohol and other claims that Hegseth dismissed as false.
The hearing highlighted the tensions between the senators and the nominee, with Kaine seeking to scrutinize Hegseth's past conduct and integrity while Hegseth maintained his innocence and emphasized his commitment to his current family.
