### Senator Duckworth Criticizes Trump’s Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth Over Stance on Women in Combat

Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth vehemently criticized Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, for his stance on women in combat roles. Duckworth, a decorated war veteran who lost both her legs in Iraq, expressed her disapproval during an appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation."

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and army veteran, has been selected by the president-elect to lead the Pentagon, a move that has stirred controversy. He has openly opposed the inclusion of women in combat roles, a right that was officially recognized in 2015. Despite women serving in combat roles effectively and meeting the same rigorous standards as men, Hegseth claims their participation has complicated military operations.

Senator Duckworth, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, rebuked these assertions, stating, "Frankly, America's daughters are just as capable of defending liberty and freedom as her sons." She emphasized that the presence of women in the military has increased effectiveness and lethality. Highlighting her personal experience and the contributions of the 223,000 women currently serving in the military, Duckworth asserted that Hegseth is "flat-out wrong."

Beyond his views on women in combat, Hegseth is also embroiled in controversy due to past allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2017, he was the subject of a sexual assault investigation, which reportedly ended with Hegseth making a payment to the accuser in exchange for a non-disclosure agreement. These allegations, combined with his opposition to gender equality in the military, have led Duckworth to label him as "inordinately unqualified" for the role of defense secretary.

She also questioned Hegseth's military experience, pointing out that he served at a relatively low level and never commanded a group larger than a platoon. Duckworth stressed the importance of women in various military roles, including the infantry and special forces, and criticized Trump's decision to nominate someone who has admitted to settling a sexual misconduct case.

Senator Duckworth called on the Senate committee to take these allegations seriously during the confirmation process. She expressed concern that the committee might not rigorously investigate Hegseth’s past if it comes under Republican control.

"By appointing someone like Hegseth, who has paid off a victim of rape allegations, it is a significant step back for our armed forces," concluded Duckworth. "This is not someone you want leading the Department of Defense."