Sen. Warren Questions Hegseth's Shifting Views On Women In Combat

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks during the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel hearing to examine the status of Department of Defense recruiting efforts and plans for fiscal y

During a confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren raised concerns about Pete Hegseth's shifting public comments regarding women in combat roles. Hegseth, a military veteran with experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, has previously criticized the military for allegedly lowering standards to allow women into combat positions.

Senator Warren highlighted instances where Hegseth expressed his views on women in the military, including passages from his book published in 2024, where he argued against women serving in combat roles.

Warren pointed out a significant shift in Hegseth's stance, noting that just 32 days after stating that women should not be in combat roles, he declared support for women serving in combat, calling them 'some of our greatest warriors.'

Hegseth criticized military for lowering standards for women in combat positions.

Senator Warren raises concerns about Pete Hegseth's changing stance on women in combat.

Warren highlights Hegseth's contradictory statements on women in the military.

Warren questioned Hegseth about the reasons behind his apparent change in position, suggesting that his comments may have been influenced by his nomination as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense.

Referring to the rapid change in Hegseth's views, Warren remarked, 'I've heard of death bed conversions, but this is the first time I've heard of a nomination conversion.'

The senator expressed concerns that Hegseth's shifting stance could cause anxiety among women in the military, fearing that his position on women in combat roles might change again if he is confirmed.