No women in combat roles? Trump's Pentagon chief pick raises eyebrows [View all]

Source: The Hill

11/16/24 8:21 PM ET


Democrats and veterans groups are taking aim at Trump Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s belief that women should not serve in combat roles, with at least two crucial GOP senators also asking for answers on his stance.

Hegseth, 44, a Fox News host, has often made questionable comments on the military matters he’d oversee should he be confirmed as Pentagon chief. But his assertions last week have elicited fears that Hegseth’s views could have a chilling effect on women wanting to serve or alienate those currently in uniform.

“I’m straight up just saying that we should not have women in combat roles,” Hegseth said on “The Shawn Ryan Show” podcast. “It hasn’t made us more effective, hasn’t made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated.” He added: “We’ve all served with women, and they’re great. But our institutions don’t have to incentivize that in places where, traditionally — not traditionally, over human history — men in those positions are more capable.”

The comments quickly were picked up after Trump’s surprise announcement choosing Hegseth on Tuesday, with combat veteran Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) telling reporters she wanted clarification on his stance. “Even a staff member of mine, she is an infantry officer . . . she is a tough woman, so he is going to have to explain it,” said Ernst, top Republican on the Senate Armed Services emerging threats subcommittee. A spokesperson from Ernst’s office later told The Hill that she looks forward to visiting with Hegseth.

Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4994546-trumps-pentagon-chief-pick-raises-eyebrows/