Durbin Statement On Confirmation On Pete Hegseth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after voting against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense:
“Today, I voted against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to serve as Secretary of Defense. We must have military leaders who have proven good judgement for when they are sitting in the Situation Room. From the outset, Pete Hegseth has failed to position himself as someone who can be trusted to develop a strategic plan to address the threats to our nation.
“Between his unacceptable views on women in the military, his stunning lack of basic knowledge on the rules of engagement, and serious allegations of personal misconduct, it’s crystal clear that Pete Hegseth should not be leading the Department of Defense.”
Hegseth was confirmed with a vote of 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting a tie-breaking vote.
Earlier this week, Durbin delivered a speech on the Senate floor explaining his objections to Hegseth’s nomination, including his inability to articulate a defense strategy in addressing threats to the U.S., his disparaging comments about women serving in the military, and troubling reports of financial mismanagement, alcohol abuse, and personal misconduct.
-30-