Since Mr. Hegseth’s nomination last November, I have met with him and carefully reviewed his writings, various reports, and other pertinent materials. I closely followed his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee and gathered substantial feedback from organizations, veterans, and Alaskans. After thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense. I did not make this decision lightly; I take my constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent with the utmost seriousness.
I commend Pete Hegseth’s service to our nation, including leading troops in combat and advocating for our veterans. However, these accomplishments do not alleviate my significant concerns regarding his nomination. Managing the Department of Defense requires vast experience and expertise as the department is one of the most complex and powerful organizations in the world, and Mr. Hegseth’s prior roles in his career do not demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility. His leadership of two veteran organizations was marked with accusations of financial mismanagement and problems with the workplace culture he fostered.
Although he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since being nominated, I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join. Women have served our nation with distinction, overcoming immense obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and values their commitment to our nation.
While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces. These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of servicemembers. Men and women in uniform are held accountable for such actions, and they deserve leaders who uphold these same standards.
Above all, I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense, and must be prioritized without compromise. The leader of the Department of Defense must demonstrate and model the standards of behavior and character we expect of all servicemembers, and Mr. Hegseth’s nomination to the role poses significant concerns that I cannot overlook. Given the global security environment we’re operating in, it is critical that we confirm a Secretary of Defense, however, I regret that I am unable to support Mr. Hegseth.
Congratulations to Marco Rubio on his unanimous confirmation as Secretary of State—the first in President Trump's Cabinet.
America is back and entering a golden age. 🇺🇸
I’m incredibly proud to attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration today and to be joined by Venezuela’s President-elect @EdmundoGU. President-elect González was elected by the people of Venezuela, under the leadership of @MariaCorinaYA, and is a beacon of hope for a new day of freedom for those oppressed by murderous dictator Nicolás Maduro. As Maduro deprives the Venezuelan people of their rightful leader, openly threatens the United States and holds Americans hostage, we must make clear the United States will hold Maduro accountable and will not take these threats lightly. As governor and senator, I’ve stood with the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom and democracy, and I’m looking forward to having a strong partner in President @realDonaldTrump back in the White House who will do the same.
Les presento mi libro, Cerebro y Estrategia para Latinoamérica. Una invitación a indagar y explorar las presiones tecnológicas y políticas que enfrenta la región.
https://t.co/VvajlbDS4c via @amazon
Aquí pueden escuchar mi última entrevista con Leopoldo Castillo (@elcitizen) y Sheina Chang (@Sheinachang1) para EVTV, sobre la entrada efectiva en vigencia de las sanciones a partir de ayer.
Llegó el momento de alcanzar la Libertad! Todos a atender el llamado del presidente y Comandante en Jefe de la Fuerza Armada Nacional @jguaido para respaldar la Operación Libertad desde La Carlota.
This is the moment for those military officers in #Venezuela to fulfill their constitutional oath & defend the legitimate interim President @jguaido in this effort to restore democracy. You can write history in the hours & days ahead.
El primero que me diga que después de 20 años de dictadura puede hacerlo mejor que @jguaido , entonces, que lance la primera piedra. Filibusteros, fariseos... hipócritas.
Ni los laboratorios se sentieron atraídos por el circo de tres pistas del loquero Rodríguez... Será que el celular era de Cabello? O de un sobrino de Cilia? Parecen chismes de peluquería...
Maduro has made another big mistake. The illegitimate arrest of Roberto Marrero, Interim President Juan Guaidó’s aide, will not go unanswered. He should be released immediately and his safety guaranteed.
The United States condemns raids by Maduro’s security services and detention of Roberto Marrero, Chief of Staff to Interim President @jguaido. We call for his immediate release. We will hold accountable those involved.
The United States calls for the immediate release of Roberto Marrero, Chief of Staff to Venezuelan Interim Pres @JGuaido. We will not tolerate Maduro’s imprisonment or intimidation of the legitimate govt of Venezuela. Those responsible will be held accountable. #ReleaseMarreroNow
There is still time for military leaders in #Venezuela to
- maintain their rank
- be granted legal amnesty
- have U.S. sanctions removed; &
- participate in a transitional government
But only if they play a role in restoring democracy.
Hurry.
It only gets worse from here.
TE QUEDÓ CLARO???
“Maduro necesita entender que una bala en la frente puede ser su salida de Venezuela. Eso sería sólo el resultado final, y los Estados Unidos tiene la capacidad de hacerlo”
Etapa final del chavismo: Colapso de los servicios públicos✅ Deterioro de la situación social ✅ Movilización de la oposición en la calle✅.
ES EVIDENTE QUE EL RÉGIMEN YA ESTÁ DE SALIDA! https://t.co/BT9frR0SRD