WATCH: ‘I do not believe you are qualified,’ Sen. Reed tells defense nominee Hegseth

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.

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