WASHINGTON − During Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing for the position of Secretary of Defense on Tuesday, senators repeatedly challenged his previously stated views that women should not serve in combat roles, which he later retracted.

Hegseth also faced questions regarding allegations of sexual assault and alcohol issues, which he denies; however, his recent comments about the role of women in the military were a significant concern for the Senate Armed Services Committee on that day.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., voiced her opposition, stating that if Hegseth were confirmed and limited women’s combat roles, it would undermine the military’s effectiveness. She announced during a speech on the Senate floor that she does not consider him qualified for the role.

Duckworth, a veteran who lost both legs in Iraq, emphasized that “we cannot have a military capable of global engagement or safeguarding our national security without the inclusion of women.”

‘Heartbreaking’ Hegseth remarks

With the backing of Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a fellow veteran and survivor of military sexual assault, Hegseth seems poised for confirmation, according to senators. The future defense secretary will oversee the largest military in U.S. history, comprising over 2 million active duty and reserve personnel, around 360,000 of whom are women.

Many female combat veterans and military analysts express their dismay and exhaustion over Hegseth’s anticipated appointment, feeling it revives outdated and sexist perceptions about their roles.

“It’s truly heartbreaking,” remarked Charley Falletta, part of the inaugural group of women armor officers integrated into combat in 2016, the same year the ground combat roles were officially opened to women.

“These brave and patriotic women have served with honor, and now they face the prospect of having someone who may lead them dismiss their service as insignificant,” she added.

Change of Heart

Democratic senators focused on Hegseth’s remarks from a November 7 podcast, released just before Trump appointed him to lead the military.

In the podcast, he stated, “I’m just going to come out and say that we shouldn’t have women in combat roles,” asserting that it hasn’t improved military effectiveness and has complicated operations.

However, in light of his nomination, the former Fox and Friends host has since retracted those comments.

“We stand behind all women serving in our military, who do an outstanding job globally, including in combat roles,” he told reporters at the Capitol last month.

Nonetheless, some senators remained unconvinced. Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., criticized his swift reversal, calling it a “substantial about-face,” raising concerns that he could revert to old attitudes.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., noted that he had “disparaged” women in the military.

Hegseth responded by affirming his respect for female service members and claimed they would have access to combat roles.

His recent book, “The War on Warriors,” published last year, argues that “women cannot physically meet the same standards as men,” claiming that men are “biologically stronger, faster, and bigger.”

Hegseth’s confirmation could hinge on women senators

Hegseth now requires support from the slim Republican majority in the Senate for his confirmation. His fate may rely on three Republican women senators: Ernst of Iowa, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Following a friendly questioning session during the hearing, Ernst revealed her support for Hegseth, boosting his chances for confirmation.

Lorry Fenner, a 26-year veteran of the Air Force and a historian focused on women in the military, expressed that preventing women from holding combat positions would undermine morale among female service members.

“To suggest that women aren’t welcome in this environment, but can serve in minor roles or simply fulfill historical stereotypes is outdated,” Fenner stated. “Women who remain will feel that our Secretary of Defense lacks regard for them.”

Historically, the acceptance of women into more military roles occurred on a “we need you, we want you” premise. Even before officially being granted combat positions, women were on the frontlines and faced the same risks as their male counterparts.

“The notion that women served only in minor roles is a significant misconception,” she asserted.

Kayla Williams, who participated in combat patrols during her deployment in Iraq, emphasized the emotional toll of revisiting these debates. “Seeing us revisit these same discussions is truly exhausting,” she stated.

The ban on women in combat roles was lifted in 2013, leading to the first women officially joining combat units three years later, primarily because leaders recognized how ineffective and counterproductive the previous policy had been. “There was no public outcry against this policy change,” Williams stated. “The American people honored and respected the sacrifices of female soldiers in combat just as they did for men.”