SPLC Concerned About Pete Hegseth’s Qualifications to Lead the Department of Defense

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Today, the Senate will begin its nomination hearing for Pete Hegseth, the Trump administration’s nominee for Secretary of Defense. 

“The Secretary of the Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible not only for safeguarding our national security but also for leading departments of nearly three million U.S. service members, including tens of thousands who represent the values of our Constitution on the world stage,” said Margaret Huang, president and CEO, Southern Poverty Law Center. “In these trying times, service members need a leader with professional expertise, extensive experience and a proven track record of effectively managing a large and complex organization. Hegseth’s professional history and public statements raise several concerns about his qualifications to uphold key values vital to great leadership.

“Former colleagues of Hegseth have spoken out about improper behavior and cast doubt on his management ability and integrity while leading two organizations: Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. Allegations of financial mismanagement and wasteful spending, as well as sexual and personal misconduct, led to him stepping down from roles in both organizations. With an annual budget of more than $800 billion, Americans cannot afford mismanagement at the DOD. We also shouldn’t accept the type of allegations that have surfaced from Hegseth’s prior roles, calling into question whether women under his leadership will be seen as equal, capable, and qualified contributors to the nation’s security or whether their safety will be prioritized.

“In addition, Hegseth has made it clear that he does not value diversity, equity and inclusion in the military. During one recent media appearance, he claimed that ‘diversity is our strength’ is ‘the dumbest phrase on planet Earth in the military.’ Given that more than 30 percent of today’s active-duty military are people of color, the appointment of someone who is hostile to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion would be very harmful and a dishonor to their service.

Americans must have faith in the institutions meant to protect them, which requires leaders at the helm who have consistently demonstrated good character and judgement,” Huang added. “We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to closely examine Hegseth’s history and to confirm only a Secretary of Defense nominee who is committed to upholding the Constitution and the values of our democracy.”