‘Absolutely Clueless’: Report

Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, faced intense criticism during his Senate Armed Services Committee hearing due to his lack of qualifications and knowledge about the role. Hegseth, a Fox News contributor with no significant defense experience, admitted his inexperience, pledging to rely on smarter advisors, a response that drew sharp criticism from Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), reported Rolling Stone.

Hegseth struggled to answer basic questions, such as naming the three key security negotiations led by the Secretary of Defense or identifying the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). His inability to demonstrate even foundational knowledge led Duckworth to describe him as “absolutely clueless” and unfit to represent the U.S. in high-stakes international negotiations.

Duckworth, a combat veteran, expressed deep concerns about Hegseth’s threats to fire experienced Pentagon leaders, warning this would leave U.S. troops vulnerable and poorly supported in critical decisions. Despite bipartisan skepticism, Republican senators appear ready to confirm Hegseth, reflecting their alignment with Trump’s agenda, according to Duckworth. She warned that his nomination sends a dangerous message to U.S. service members and allies, undermining confidence in American defense leadership.