YIKES! Hegseth has DISASTER Confirmation Hearing on LIVE TV

Summary

Podcast Summary: The MeidasTouch Podcast – "YIKES! Hegseth has DISASTER Confirmation Hearing on LIVE TV"

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers—Ben, Brett, and Jordy—delve into the tumultuous confirmation hearing of Pete Hegseth, a Republican nominee vying for the position of Secretary of Defense. Released on January 15, 2025, the episode meticulously dissects the live televised hearing, highlighting key moments, controversial exchanges, and the broader implications for American politics and democracy.

Section 1: Setting the Stage

The episode opens with the hosts briefly explaining the context of the hearing. Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, faces intense scrutiny from Democratic senators over his suitability for the high-ranking defense position. The Meiselas brothers emphasize the significance of this hearing, as it not only tests Hegseth's qualifications but also reflects the deep partisan divides within the Senate.

Section 2: Senator Tim Kaine's Rigorous Examination

One of the pivotal moments of the hearing involves Senator Tim Kaine's relentless questioning of Hegseth. Starting at [01:05], Kaine probes into Hegseth's claim about the use of active-duty military personnel for border security. Kaine challenges Hegseth’s understanding and support for utilizing military forces in roles traditionally reserved for law enforcement.

• Notable Quote:
  • Senator Tim Kaine [01:05]: "Our US Military is not trained in law enforcement roles. Do you support the use of active duty military in supporting detention camps?"

Hegseth responds by asserting his constitutional adherence, yet the exchange reveals underlying tensions about military roles and executive overreach.

Section 3: Allegations of Misconduct and Kaine’s Cross-Examination

Senator Kaine shifts focus to Hegseth's personal conduct, addressing serious allegations regarding sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse. From [03:00] onwards, Kaine meticulously questions Hegseth about claims of drunken behavior at work and inappropriate conduct at social events.

• Notable Quotes:
  • Senator Tim Kaine [04:06]: "You've admitted that you had sex at that hotel in October 2017. Isn't that correct?"
  • Pete Hegseth [04:22]: "It was a false claim then and a false claim now."

These exchanges are critical as they expose Hegseth's personal history, challenging his moral and ethical fitness for the role.

Section 4: Senator Tammy Duckworth’s Challenge

Senator Tammy Duckworth takes a firm stance, questioning Hegseth's knowledge and preparedness regarding international alliances, specifically the ASEAN Group. Starting at [05:46], Duckworth presses Hegseth on his familiarity with ASEAN nations, highlighting a lack of specific knowledge.

• Notable Quote:
  • Senator Tammy Duckworth [05:46]: "Do you know any of them? You mentioned the Indo Pacific early on, but you can't name one country in ASEAN."

Hegseth's inadequate responses underscore concerns about his diplomatic acumen and readiness to handle global defense strategies.

Section 5: Senator Mazie Hirono’s Intensifying Scrutiny

Senator Mazie Hirono intensifies the pressure by directly addressing Hegseth's past misconduct and potential compliance with controversial presidential orders. From [12:18], Hirono questions whether Hegseth would follow orders to seize territories like Greenland or the Panama Canal.

• Notable Quotes:
  • Senator Mazie Hirono [12:46]: "Would you carry out an order from President Trump to seize Greenland, a territory of our NATO ally Denmark?"
  • Pete Hegseth [12:46]: "I would never, in this public forum, give one way or another what orders the president gives to me in any context."

Hirono's questioning not only targets Hegseth's loyalty but also his potential to uphold international treaties and alliances.

Section 6: Defense and Redemption Narratives

Throughout the hearing, Hegseth consistently labels the allegations as part of a "coordinated smear campaign." He attempts to pivot the narrative by emphasizing his redemption through faith and personal growth, asserting that these struggles were overcome.

• Notable Quote:
  • Pete Hegseth [14:41]: "And what became very evident to us from the beginning, there was a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us."

This defense strategy aims to mitigate the impact of the allegations, portraying Hegseth as a victim of political vendetta rather than accountability.

Section 7: Senator Mark Kelly’s Direct Approach

Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and military leader, employs a straightforward tactic, demanding true or false answers to specific incidents of alleged misconduct. Beginning at [16:45], Kelly singles out events where Hegseth was reportedly intoxicated, seeking clarity.

• Notable Quote:
  • Senator Mark Kelly [17:35]: "Summer of 2014 in Cleveland, drunk in public with the CVA team. True or false?"

Hegseth's repetitive response of "anonymous smears" without directly addressing the questions leads to skepticism about his transparency and honesty.

Section 8: Closing Arguments and Public Perception

As the hearing draws to a close, the Meiselas brothers reflect on the polarized responses and the potential fallout for both Hegseth and the broader political landscape. They discuss the implications of such contentious hearings on public trust in government institutions and democratic processes.

Section 9: Final Takeaways

The episode concludes with the hosts summarizing the key takeaways:

• Transparency Issues: Hegseth's inability to provide direct answers raises concerns about his willingness to be transparent in a high-level defense role.

• Allegations vs. Defense: The dichotomy between the serious allegations and Hegseth's portrayal of himself as a victim complicates the Senate's evaluation of his suitability.

• Impact on Democracy: The vigorous questioning by Democratic senators highlights the essential role of accountability in democratic systems, ensuring that candidates for significant positions are thoroughly vetted.

Conclusion

The MeidasTouch Podcast delivers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of Pete Hegseth's disastrous confirmation hearing. Through meticulous breakdowns of the interactions, highlighted quotes, and insightful commentary, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with a clear understanding of the events and their broader implications. For those unable to watch the live hearing, this episode serves as a valuable resource in comprehending the complexities and stakes involved in such high-profile political proceedings.

Transcript

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[Pete Hegseth]

To include 5,000 National Guards from Indiana and Texas we're at the border right now allowing for border security, so there.

[Senator Tim Kaine]

Is plenty of precedent duty military members, detention centers. Our US Military is not trained in law enforcement roles. I think you know that, right? We've seen how that mission is difficult for them in places like Iraq and Afghanistan because that's not the training a uniformed military comes with. Do you support the use of active duty military in supporting detention camps?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, everything we will do would be lawful and under the Constitution. But I recognize that this administration has abdicated its responsibility. President Trump is going to restore order at the border enemies from invading and yes, he is.

[Senator Tim Kaine]

Sir, sir, I get your filibustering. I get it. I get it in the spirit of preserving the institution that I that was.

[Commentator]

Democratic Senator Slotkin grilling Pete Hegseth before the Senate Armed Services Confirmation hearing regarding Donald Trump's nomination of Pete Hegseth to be the Secretary of Defense. Pete Hegseth has never commanded any significant group of people. He's never led an organization. There have been credible accusations against him of sexual assault in the past where he signed non disclosure agreements and entered into a settlement agreement. There have been credible accusations about him abusing alcohol and doing so in public as well. Let's take you into the hearing. I want to show you some of the highlights Or I should say the lowlights as it relates to Hegseth. Here Democratic Senator Tim Kaine talks about some of the allegations against Pete Hegseth. Let's play it.

[Host 2]

Do you have non disclosure agreements with either of those organizations?

[Pete Hegseth]

Not that I'm aware of.

[Host 2]

Senator, many of your work colleagues have said that you show up for work under the influence of alcohol or drunk. I know you've denied that, but you would agree with me, right, that if that was the case, that would be disqualifying for somebody to be secretary of defense.

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, those are all anonymous false claims. And the totality they're not.

[Host 2]

They're not anonymous.

[Pete Hegseth]

The letters on the record here, they're not anonymous.

[Host 2]

On the record we've seen records with.

[Pete Hegseth]

Names attached to Freedom Concerned Vets for America and Fox News.

[Host 2]

One of your colleagues working hard every.

[Pete Hegseth]

Day one on behalf.

[Host 2]

One of your colleagues said that you got drunk at an event at a bar and chanted kill all Muslims. Another colleague, not anonymous we have this said that you took co workers to a strip club, you were drunk, you tried to dance with strippers, you had to be helped off the stage and one of your employees in that event filed a sexual harassment charge as a result of it. Now I know you denied these things, but isn't that the kind of behavior that if true would be disqualifying for somebody to be secretary of defense?

[Commentator]

And here Tim Kaine. Senator Kaine grills Pete Hegseth drilling down on the fact that this incident that took place at the hotel for which you signed a non disclosure agreement, you still admitted that you had sexual relations. Did you not hear play this clip charges?

[Host 2]

Well, no.

[Pete Hegseth]

Fully investigated and I was completely cleared and I am so grateful for the marriage I have to this you've admitted.

[Host 2]

That you had sex at that hotel in October 2017. You said it was consensual. Isn't that correct?

[Pete Hegseth]

Anything.

[Host 2]

You've admitted that it was consensual and you were still married and you just had a child by another woman. Again, how do you explain your judgment?

[Pete Hegseth]

Completely false charges against me. You, you investigated and I'm completely clear.

[Host 2]

You have admitt admitted that you had sex while you were married to wife two after you just had fathered a child by wife three. You've admitted that. Now if it had been a sexual assault, that would be disqualifying to be Secretary of Defense, wouldn't it?

[Pete Hegseth]

It was a false claim then and a false claim now.

[Host 2]

If it had been a sexual assault, that would be disqualifying to be secretary of Defense, Wouldn't it?

[Pete Hegseth]

That was a false claim. I'm talking about a hypothetical.

[Host 2]

So you can't tell me whether someone who has committed a sexual assault is disqualified from being Secretary of Defense.

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, I know in my instance, and I'm talking about my instance only, it was a false claim.

[Host 2]

But you acknowledge. But you acknowledge that you cheated on your wife and that you cheated on the woman by whom you had just fathered a child. You have admitted that.

[Pete Hegseth]

I will allow your words to speak for themselves.

[Host 2]

You're not retracting that today. That's good.

[Commentator]

I assume that Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth asks a very simple question. Do you know any of the nations, Mr. Hegseth, that are a part of the ASEAN Group? A, S, E, A N. Do you know any of them? Hegseth gets it wrong. He can't name one country. Play this clip.

[Senator Tammy Duckworth]

I'll qualify to that. You could do acquisition and cross servicing agreements, which essentially are security agreements. You can't even mention that you've done none of those. You talked about the Indo Pacific a little bit and I'm glad that you mentioned it up. Mention it. Can you name the importance of at least one of the nations in the asean. In asean and what type of agreement we have with at least one of those nations? And how many nations are in asean, by the way?

[Pete Hegseth]

I couldn't tell you the exact same, but I know we have allies in South Korea and Japan and in Aukus with Australia trying to work on submarines with them.

[Senator Tammy Duckworth]

None of those countries are in asean.

[Pete Hegseth]

Allies across.

[Senator Tammy Duckworth]

None of those three countries that you've mentioned are in asean. I suggest you do a little homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations.

[Commentator]

Looksin another question here by Senator Duckworth. Let's play it.

[Senator Tammy Duckworth]

Want you to be able to tell me what kind of guidance will be given to those employees. What will happen if whether or not you pass that audit? Have you led an audit of any organization? Yes or no? I don't want a long answer. Yes or no, have you led an audit of any organization of which you were in charge?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, in both of the organizations I ran we were always completely fiscally responsible.

[Senator Tammy Duckworth]

Yes or no, did you need an audit?

[Pete Hegseth]

And the way.

[Senator Tammy Duckworth]

Yes or no, did you need an audit?

[Senator Mazie Hirono]

Yes or no?

[Pete Hegseth]

What are you afraid of?

[Senator Tammy Duckworth]

You can't answer this question. Yes or no, did you lead an audit? Do you not know this answer?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator? Part of my leadership of these organizations.

[Senator Tammy Duckworth]

I will take that as a no. What were the findings though? There were no findings. You've never let an Audit what?

[Commentator]

Going back to Senator Kaine, Democrat. Let's play it.

[Pete Hegseth]

False claims were made against me and ultimately your attorney.

[Host 2]

False claims.

[Pete Hegseth]

You have the opportunity to attest my innocence in those false claims.

[Host 2]

But you didn't reveal any of this to President Trump or the transition team as they were considering you to be nominated for Secretary of Defense. You didn't. You didn't reveal the. The action. You didn't reveal the criminal complaint. You didn't reveal the criminal investigation. You didn't reveal the settlement. You didn't reveal the cash payment. Why didn't you inform the Commander in Chief and the transition team of this very relevant event?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, I've appreciated every part of the process with the transition team. They have been open and honest with me. We've had great conversations between the two of us, and I appreciate the opportunity that President Elect.

[Host 2]

But you chose not to reveal this, right, because you knew it would hurt your chances. So you chose not to reveal this really important thing to the Commander in Chief of the transition team because you were worried about your chances rather than trying to be candid with the future President of the United States. Are there any other important facts that you chose not to reveal to the President Elect and his team as they were considering you to be Secretary of Defense?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, I sit here before you in open book as everyone who's watched this process with.

[Host 2]

With multiple non disclosure and confidentiality agreements tying the hands of many people who would like to comment to us here.

[Commentator]

Hegseth does not deny a line of questioning from Senator Blumenthal detailing how hegseth ran veterans nonprofits into the ground. Let's play it.

[Host 2]

Okay. You took over the Veterans for Freedom in 2007. In 2008, you raised $8.7 million, but spent more than 9 million, creating a deficit. By January 2009, you told donors that the organization had less than $1,000 in the bank and debts of $434,000. By 2010, revenue at the Veterans for Freedom had dropped to about $265,000. In the next year, it had dropped further to $22,000. You don't dispute these numbers, do you, Senator?

[Pete Hegseth]

I'm extremely proud of the work me and my fellow vets did at Vets for Freedom, a bunch of young vets with no political experience.

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[Commentator]

Here we have Senator Hirono from Hawaii asking Hegseth if he would carry out orders to invade our NATO ally Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. And you'll see he does not deny it. Here, play this clip.

[Senator Mazie Hirono]

President Elect has attacked our allies in recent weeks, refusing to rule out using military force to take over Greenland and the Panama Canal and threatening to take to make Canada the 51st state, would you carry out an order from President Trump to seize Greenland, a territory of our NATO ally Denmark, by force, or would you comply with an order to take over the Panama Canal?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, I will emphasize that President Trump received 77 million votes to be the lawful commander.

[Senator Mazie Hirono]

We're not talking about the election. My question is, would you use our military to take over Greenland or an ally of Denmark?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, one of the things that President Trump is so good at is never strategically tipping his hand. And so I would never, in this public forum, give one way or another.

[Senator Mazie Hirono]

Direct what orders the president gives to.

[Pete Hegseth]

Me in any context.

[Senator Mazie Hirono]

It sounds to me that you would contemplate carrying out such an order to basically invade Greenland and take over the Panama Canal.

[Commentator]

Another statement question from Senator Hirono here. Let's play it.

[Senator Mazie Hirono]

In addition to the sexual assault allegations, and by the way, the answer to my second question should have been yes, I have read multiple reports of your regularly being drunk at work, including by people who worked with your FOX News. Do you know that being drunk at work is prohibited for service members under the ucmj?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, those are multiple false, anonymous reports peddled by NBC News that run directly contradictory to the dozens of men and women at Fox News who I work with.

[Senator Mazie Hirono]

I'm not hearing my question.

[Pete Hegseth]

And said in Your opening statement, Mr.

[Senator Mazie Hirono]

Hegseth, you commit to holding leaders accountable at all levels. That includes you, of course.

[Commentator]

One of the things that Pete Hegseth would continue to come back on is he would say all these accusations, everything is part of a coordinated smear against him. But then also Hegseth would say that he found his savior, Jesus Christ, he would say, and then he's redeemed himself for all of his past troubles. So they're smears. But you also had to redeem yourself for past troubles. It doesn't really make much sense. But let's play this clip.

[Pete Hegseth]

And what became very evident to us from the beginning, there was a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us. That was clear from moment one. And what we knew is that it wasn't about me. Most of it was about President Donald Trump, who's had to endure the very same thing for much longer amounts of time. And he endured it in incredibly strong ways.

[Commentator]

So we here Hegseth says that the dumbest phrase in the military is that unity is our strength. Huh? Here, play this clip and I'll say.

[Pete Hegseth]

It again because I'm sure it'll be quoted to me at some point. The dumbest phrase in military history is our unity is our Strength. No, our shared purpose is our strength.

[Commentator]

There's another clip from Tim Kane right here where Pete Hegseth is saying I'm an open book. And then Kane's like, yeah, but with lots of non disclosure agreements and settlement agreements. Here, play this clip.

[Host 2]

Dates. Are there any other important facts that you chose not to reveal to the President elect and his team as they were considering you to be Secretary of Defense?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, I sit here before you in open book as everyone who's watched this.

[Host 2]

Process with with multiple non disclosure and confidentiality agreements tying the hands of many people who would like to comment to us.

[Commentator]

This was a weird one from MAGA Republican Senator Mark Wayne Mullen who I guess tried to humanize Pete Hegseth. But Mark Wayne Mullen, again, MAGA Republican Senator says that he would be in prison if it was not for his wife. Really? He would be in prison? Here, play this clip.

[Host 2]

I've made mistakes. And Jennifer, thank you for loving him through that mistake. Because the only reason why I'm here and not in prison is because my wife loved me too.

[Commentator]

We have Democratic Senator Mark Kelly again who served in the armed forces. Astronaut, fighter pilot, who was a leader in the military and was a leader of organizations. Here's what he has to say. Let's play it.

[Senator Mark Kelly]

You say you've had personal issues in your past. Yet when asked about those very issues, you blame an anonymous smear campaign, even when many of these claims are not anonymous. Which is it? Have you overcome personal issues or are you the target of a smear campaign? It can't be both. It's clear to me that you're not being honest with us or the American people because you know the truth would disqualify you from getting the job. And just as concerning as each of these specific disqualifying accusations are, what concerns me just as much is the idea of having a Secretary of Defense who is not transparent. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back. My.

[Commentator]

Here's another clip of Senator Kelly right here. Let's play it.

[Senator Mark Kelly]

Virginia, you needed to be carried out of the event for being intoxicated.

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator. Anonymous smears.

[Senator Mark Kelly]

Just true or false? Very simple. Summer of 2014 in Cleveland, drunk in public with the CVA team.

[Pete Hegseth]

Anonymous smears.

[Senator Mark Kelly]

I'm just asking for true or false questions. True or false answers. An event in North Carolina, drunk in front of three young female staff members after you had instituted a no alcohol policy and then reversed it. True or false?

[Pete Hegseth]

Anonymous smears.

[Senator Mark Kelly]

December of 2014 at the CVA Christmas party at the Grand Hyatt at Washington, D.C. you were noticeably intoxicated and had to be carried up to your room. Is that true or false? Anonymous smears Another time a CVA staffer stated that you passed out in the back of a party bus. Is that true or false?

[Commentator]

Anonymous smears and finally, we'll close with another clip from Democratic Senator Slotkin.

[Pete Hegseth]

Let's play abdicated and ignored for the last four years.

[Senator Tim Kaine]

It wasn't my question. I'm just asking, have you been involved you're about to be the Secretary of Defense potentially. Have you been involved in discussions about using the active duty military inside the United States?

[Pete Hegseth]

Senator, I am not yet the Secretary of Defense. If you confirmed, I would be party to any number of conversations.

[Senator Tim Kaine]

But you haven't been in any of.

[Pete Hegseth]

These conversations, which I would not reveal what I have discussed with the President.

[Senator Tim Kaine]

No, no. Just have you been in conversations? Again, you're going to be in charge of 3 million people. The active duty that I know you care about, I believe you care about. So have you been in conversations about using the active duty in any way? Whether it's setting up in detention camps, policing dangerous cities? Have you been involved in any of those conversations?

[Pete Hegseth]

Certainly I have been involved in conversations relating to doing things this administration has not, which is secure the southern border and not allow floods of illegal so are you through an invasion?

[Commentator]

Ok, there you have it folks. That was the confirmation hearing. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, but I wanted to give you a good summary right there. Thanks for watching. Real quick. Metages changed their algorithm to suppress political content.

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