By — Kenichi Serino Kenichi Serino Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-i-do-not-believe-you-are-qualified-sen-reed-tells-defense-nominee-hegseth Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: ‘I do not believe you are qualified,’ Sen. Reed tells defense nominee Hegseth Politics Jan 14, 2025 11:03 AM EDT The ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Armed Services declared his opposition to Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary on Tuesday. “These are perilous times, and the position of secretary of defense demands a leader of unparalleled experience, wisdom and, above all else, character,” Sen. Jack Reed said Tuesday in his opening remarks at Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing. Watch Reed’s full opening statement below. Hegseth, a military veteran and conservative media personality, has faced allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, and been criticized as a nominee for his controversial views on diversity and religion in the military. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Reed accused Hegseth of calling to disregard the rules of war and “championing” soldiers convicted of war crimes. “I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job,” Reed told Hegseth. Find more of our confirmation hearing coverage READ MORE: How to watch the confirmation hearings for Trump’s Cabinet READ FULL: Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s opening statement READ MORE: What to watch in Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing WATCH: Hegseth confirmation hearings to begin amid sexual misconduct accusations A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Kenichi Serino Kenichi Serino
The ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Armed Services declared his opposition to Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary on Tuesday. “These are perilous times, and the position of secretary of defense demands a leader of unparalleled experience, wisdom and, above all else, character,” Sen. Jack Reed said Tuesday in his opening remarks at Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing. Watch Reed’s full opening statement below. Hegseth, a military veteran and conservative media personality, has faced allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, and been criticized as a nominee for his controversial views on diversity and religion in the military. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Reed accused Hegseth of calling to disregard the rules of war and “championing” soldiers convicted of war crimes. “I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job,” Reed told Hegseth. Find more of our confirmation hearing coverage READ MORE: How to watch the confirmation hearings for Trump’s Cabinet READ FULL: Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s opening statement READ MORE: What to watch in Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing WATCH: Hegseth confirmation hearings to begin amid sexual misconduct accusations A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now