The nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and current Fox News personality, as Secretary of the Army has sparked controversy in recent weeks. Hegseth, who has been an outspoken advocate for veterans’ rights and military reform, has faced criticism over his past comments on sexual assault.
In 2017, Hegseth sparked outrage after suggesting that women who report sexual assault in the military are “glad” to have been assaulted. The comments, which were made during a segment on Fox News, were widely condemned by lawmakers, veterans’ groups, and advocates for survivors of sexual assault.
Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa and a survivor of sexual assault herself, has pledged to thoroughly vet Hegseth amidst concerns over his past comments. Ernst, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasized the importance of examining Hegseth’s record and ensuring that he is fit to lead the Army.
“As a survivor of sexual assault, I understand the importance of having leaders who take this issue seriously and are committed to creating a culture of respect and accountability,” Ernst said in a statement. “I will be thoroughly vetting Pete Hegseth’s record and will be looking for assurances that he is committed to addressing the scourge of sexual assault in the military.”
Ernst’s comments come as the Senate Armed Services Committee prepares to hold a confirmation hearing for Hegseth’s nomination. The hearing, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks, will provide lawmakers with an opportunity to question Hegseth about his past comments and his qualifications for the role.
The controversy surrounding Hegseth’s nomination has sparked a wider debate about the military’s handling of sexual assault. According to a 2020 report by the Pentagon, there were over 6,000 reported cases of sexual assault in the military in 2019. The report also found that fewer than 1 in 5 victims of sexual assault in the military report the crime.
Advocates for survivors of sexual assault have long argued that the military’s handling of the issue is inadequate and that more needs to be done to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The nomination of Hegseth, who has been accused of trivializing the issue of sexual assault, has sparked concerns that the military’s efforts to address the problem may be undermined.
In response to the controversy, Hegseth has attempted to clarify his past comments, stating that he was “misunderstood” and that he is committed to addressing the issue of sexual assault in the military. However, his efforts to reassure lawmakers and advocates have been met with skepticism, and many remain unconvinced that he is the right person for the job.
As the Senate Armed Services Committee prepares to hold a confirmation hearing for Hegseth’s nomination, Ernst’s pledge to thoroughly vet him has been welcomed by advocates for survivors of sexual assault. Don Christensen, the president of Protect Our Defenders, a nonprofit organization that advocates for survivors of military sexual assault, praised Ernst’s commitment to examining Hegseth’s record.
“Senator Ernst’s pledge to thoroughly vet Pete Hegseth is a welcome development in this process,” Christensen said. “We need leaders who take the issue of sexual assault seriously and are committed to creating a culture of respect and accountability. We hope that Senator Ernst’s efforts will help to ensure that the next Secretary of the Army is someone who shares these values.”
The confirmation hearing for Hegseth’s nomination is expected to take place in the coming weeks. It remains to be seen whether Ernst’s efforts to vet him will be successful in addressing concerns over his past comments and his qualifications for the role.
