Hegseth Changes His Stance on Women and Gays in Combat
The Pentagon nominee reversed their stance following discussions with Republican senators who were viewed as possible swing votes.
TroibNews 
Donald Trump's allies have claimed success in convincing Sen. Joni Ernst to support the president-elect’s choice for Pentagon chief. However, recent developments indicate that Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, is also adjusting his views.
Hegseth has softened his previous opposition to women in combat and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military, signaling a desire to address concerns about how his leadership might affect a diverse and contemporary military environment. This shift could provide a framework for other potential Trump nominees facing similar challenges in their confirmation processes.
Previously, Hegseth characterized policies allowing for the service of gay and transgender troops as part of a “Marxist agenda.” Yet, during a meeting with Sen. Rand Paul, he acknowledged that he believes that gays should be allowed to serve in the military. Additionally, in a recent Fox News segment, he referred to women as “some of our greatest warriors,” a noteworthy shift from his earlier criticisms regarding their combat roles.
This apparent change comes amidst allegations against him concerning sexual assault, excessive drinking, and financial mismanagement, which have raised questions about his fitness for the position. It also follows discussions with moderate Republican senators, including Ernst, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski.
Although Hegseth is currently softening his rhetoric, he might still align with Trump’s more hardline perspectives once he assumes office.
Hegseth has been privately clarifying his views, with Collins reporting that he has shown increased openness regarding women in combat after their lengthy discussion. "I did bring that up, and I pressed him on it since that’s an issue that matters to me,” she stated.
In contrast, Hegseth had previously asserted on “The Shawn Ryan Show,” “I’m straight up just saying, we should not have women in combat roles,” a stance that continues to shadow his confirmation efforts. He later contended that his past comments were misinterpreted.
Sen. Josh Hawley, who is against a mandatory military draft for women, mentioned that during their meeting, Hegseth expressed support for their service in combat roles. "He was asked in our post-meeting gaggle whether he was supportive of women in combat and his answer was he was supportive of that,” Hawley recounted.
Trump spokesperson Brian Hughes emphasized that Hegseth aims for the military to prioritize strength over diversity and inclusion initiatives. “If you can meet the standards, you can serve,” he remarked, stressing readiness and effectiveness as priorities.
Senators have encouraged Hegseth to thoughtfully articulate his stance on women in combat as he prepares for upcoming confirmation hearings expected to attract significant scrutiny. Sen. Mike Rounds acknowledged that Hegseth’s explanations have bolstered his chances of confirmation, stating, “I don’t think we can go to war without women as part of our team.”
Some Republican senators dismissed Hegseth's more moderate positioning as a standard aspect of the confirmation process. Sen. Dan Sullivan remarked, “That’s just a natural part of the ‘advise and consent’ process,” highlighting the importance of senatorial experience and input.
Hegseth is set to meet with over 20 senators this week, with Ernst’s responses being particularly monitored. Following her additional meeting with him, she shifted from skepticism to support, calling him "very supportive of women in the military" and noting his commitment to appoint a senior official dedicated to upholding the roles of servicemen and women based on merit rather than quotas.
Ernst's previously cautious stance had been influenced by a strong campaign from Trump’s allies, leading to optimism among the president-elect’s team regarding Hegseth's confirmation prospects. Sen. Tommy Tuberville noted, “I heard he was changing his tune a little bit on women in combat,” alluding to the adjustments Hegseth has made in response to confirmation pressures.
However, critics on Capitol Hill are likely to remain skeptical of Hegseth’s revised positions. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Army combat veteran, expressed distrust, saying, "Trump nominees lie all the time in order to get confirmed, don't they? So, I don't trust him.”
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
Hegseth has softened his previous opposition to women in combat and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military, signaling a desire to address concerns about how his leadership might affect a diverse and contemporary military environment. This shift could provide a framework for other potential Trump nominees facing similar challenges in their confirmation processes.
Previously, Hegseth characterized policies allowing for the service of gay and transgender troops as part of a “Marxist agenda.” Yet, during a meeting with Sen. Rand Paul, he acknowledged that he believes that gays should be allowed to serve in the military. Additionally, in a recent Fox News segment, he referred to women as “some of our greatest warriors,” a noteworthy shift from his earlier criticisms regarding their combat roles.
This apparent change comes amidst allegations against him concerning sexual assault, excessive drinking, and financial mismanagement, which have raised questions about his fitness for the position. It also follows discussions with moderate Republican senators, including Ernst, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski.
Although Hegseth is currently softening his rhetoric, he might still align with Trump’s more hardline perspectives once he assumes office.
Hegseth has been privately clarifying his views, with Collins reporting that he has shown increased openness regarding women in combat after their lengthy discussion. "I did bring that up, and I pressed him on it since that’s an issue that matters to me,” she stated.
In contrast, Hegseth had previously asserted on “The Shawn Ryan Show,” “I’m straight up just saying, we should not have women in combat roles,” a stance that continues to shadow his confirmation efforts. He later contended that his past comments were misinterpreted.
Sen. Josh Hawley, who is against a mandatory military draft for women, mentioned that during their meeting, Hegseth expressed support for their service in combat roles. "He was asked in our post-meeting gaggle whether he was supportive of women in combat and his answer was he was supportive of that,” Hawley recounted.
Trump spokesperson Brian Hughes emphasized that Hegseth aims for the military to prioritize strength over diversity and inclusion initiatives. “If you can meet the standards, you can serve,” he remarked, stressing readiness and effectiveness as priorities.
Senators have encouraged Hegseth to thoughtfully articulate his stance on women in combat as he prepares for upcoming confirmation hearings expected to attract significant scrutiny. Sen. Mike Rounds acknowledged that Hegseth’s explanations have bolstered his chances of confirmation, stating, “I don’t think we can go to war without women as part of our team.”
Some Republican senators dismissed Hegseth's more moderate positioning as a standard aspect of the confirmation process. Sen. Dan Sullivan remarked, “That’s just a natural part of the ‘advise and consent’ process,” highlighting the importance of senatorial experience and input.
Hegseth is set to meet with over 20 senators this week, with Ernst’s responses being particularly monitored. Following her additional meeting with him, she shifted from skepticism to support, calling him "very supportive of women in the military" and noting his commitment to appoint a senior official dedicated to upholding the roles of servicemen and women based on merit rather than quotas.
Ernst's previously cautious stance had been influenced by a strong campaign from Trump’s allies, leading to optimism among the president-elect’s team regarding Hegseth's confirmation prospects. Sen. Tommy Tuberville noted, “I heard he was changing his tune a little bit on women in combat,” alluding to the adjustments Hegseth has made in response to confirmation pressures.
However, critics on Capitol Hill are likely to remain skeptical of Hegseth’s revised positions. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Army combat veteran, expressed distrust, saying, "Trump nominees lie all the time in order to get confirmed, don't they? So, I don't trust him.”
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
