Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to her thoughts on Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense.
The Illinois Democrat bluntly stated, “The manager of the average Applebee’s has probably managed more people than Pete Hegseth,” during a press call on Friday.
According to Duckworth, Hegseth is “dangerously unqualified” for the role and hasn’t demonstrated the leadership experience necessary to oversee the nation’s military.
Duckworth didn’t hold back as she compared Hegseth’s résumé with the job requirements. “I want to know what’s the largest budget he’s ever run,” adding that leading an infantry platoon, which typically consists of just 40 soldiers, hardly prepares someone for this giant leap into managing the Department of Defense.
She went so far as to call him “the most unqualified nominee ever picked for this role.”
Her concerns go beyond managerial experience. Duckworth pointed out that her objections are grounded in practical concerns about national security, not partisan politics.
“Pete Hegseth’s nomination to serve as secretary of Defense is dangerous,” she said, warning that his inexperience posed a risk too significant to overlook.
Duckworth is also sounding the alarm about Hegseth’s upcoming confirmation hearing, set to take place on Tuesday.
She noted that Senate Democrats, barring ranking member Jack Reed, may not get full access to Hegseth’s FBI background report—a critical element in evaluating the nominee.
“I know that I and the other Senate Dems have requested access,” she revealed, expressing frustration over limited access to essential documents.
She added, “Before we broke for the holidays, the Republicans had indicated that we would be able to see them, but now it looks like they’re looking to just the ranking member and the chairman and the rest of us will not be able to see them.”
Duckworth pointed to troubling allegations against Hegseth, including a 2017 sexual assault claim and accusations of mismanagement during his tenure at Concerned Veterans for America (CVA).
These allegations, which Hegseth has firmly denied, are likely to feature prominently in the hearing.
Duckworth noted her concern, asserting that such issues only heighten doubts about his suitability for the role.
Meanwhile, Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, is turning scrutiny toward another Trump nominee—Pam Bondi, who is being considered for the role of Attorney General.
Known for her time as Florida’s Attorney General, Bondi’s lobbying activities are catching flack from Duckworth’s fellow Illinois Democrat.
Durbin is reportedly requesting additional records from two agencies to determine whether Bondi’s past lobbying work, including representing foreign governments, could present potential conflicts of interest if confirmed.
Durbin’s concerns center on the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires lobbyists representing foreign interests to disclose specific details about their contracts, clients, and financials.
He pointed out that Bondi omitted key items in her Senate Judiciary Questionnaire. “Ms. Bondi did not list any of these matters or clients as potential conflicts of interest on her Senate Judiciary Questionnaire,” Durbin wrote, underscoring the need for transparency.
Bondi defended her record, pledging to consult with DOJ ethics officials about potential conflicts if confirmed.
“Some of these cases and matters are ongoing. In the event I am confirmed, I will consult with the appropriate
Department of Justice ethics officials and act consistent with governing regulations with regard to these cases and legal matters,” she said.
Despite her assurances, Durbin has formally requested records on over 25 companies she previously lobbied for, including any communications they might have had with federal agencies.
