What We’re Covering
- Confirmation Hearing: Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. Senators questioned him about his qualifications, including allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault accusations, and his evolving stance on women in combat roles.
- Hegseth’s Remarks: In his opening statement, Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News host, stressed the importance of the Pentagon prioritizing “warfighting” and “lethality.” The hearing was briefly interrupted by protesters, who were removed from the room.
- Special Counsel’s Report: Separately, a 130-page report by special counsel Jack Smith, released overnight, outlines the president-elect’s alleged “criminal efforts to retain power” following the 2020 election.
