Military veteran faces tough path to Pentagon leadership role
Former military officer **Pete Hegseth** needs key senators support for Pentagon chief position. Senator **Joni Ernst**‚ a combat veteran herself isnt ready to back his nomination despite his decorated service record
Joni Ernst‚ a combat veteran and senior Armed Services Committee member‚ hasnt given her ok for Pete Hegsethʼs nomination to lead the Pentagon. The 45-year-old ex-military officer met with Ernst on 12/05‚ but questions remain un-answered
The Senateʼs soon-to-be 53-47 Republican edge means Hegseth cant lose more than 3 GOP votes (considering Democrats probable opposition). Mike Rounds‚ another committee member‚ wants more clarity: “Questions need answering in front of everyone‚“ he stated
Hegsethʼs military background includes:
- Two Bronze Stars
- Service in Afghanistan
- Iraq deployment
- Guantanamo Bay posting
The ex-Fox News host faces push-back about his past. A 2017 incident led to a private settlement; plus theres worry about his ability to manage 1.3-million active-duty troops. “I will answer senators questions‚ but not through media“ Hegseth said during his Capitol Hill visit
Jim Banks‚ an incoming senator thinks differently: “Pete focuses on what I focus on - making Defense Department lethal again.“ However Hegsethʼs previous comments about women in combat and military leadership have made some law-makers un-easy
