Video: Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation Hearing

By Eric Schmitt, Alexandra Ostasiewicz, David Jouppi and Christina Shaman •January 15, 2025

In a hearing that stretched more than four hours, Democrats pressed Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary, on numerous allegations of misconduct, his views about women in combat and his ability to lead the department. Eric Schmitt, national security correspondent for The New York Times, explains a moment that stood out in the hearing.