Now hosting on NewsNation, Chris Cuomo delivered a scathing critique of the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing for Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth. The former CNN host accused lawmakers of focusing on divisive cultural issues rather than addressing pressing national security concerns, describing the hearing as a “toxic game of division.” Cuomo’s criticism was primarily directed at Democrats, who zeroed in on Hegseth’s personal life, particularly his past marital challenges.
“My opinion is we saw the enemy today at Pete Hegseth’s Armed Services Committee hearing, and it’s us,” Cuomo said. “Not you, but the toxic game of division played by those we put in power.” During the hearing, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) questioned Hegseth about a 2017 incident in Monterey, California, involving Hegseth fathering a child with the woman who would later become his third wife.
Kaine pressed, “You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman who was not your wife. I assume that in each of your weddings you’ve pledged to be faithful to your wife.” Hegseth responded, “I have failed in things in my life and thankfully I’m redeemed by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Cuomo rebuked Kaine’s line of questioning, saying, “So, because of his marriage, he can’t be trusted with the oath of office? How many people on that committee, how many in Congress, could pass the Kaine test?” He also highlighted Kaine’s past support for Bill Clinton despite similar personal controversies.
Cuomo further criticized the hearing for ignoring critical issues. “Do you know a bipartisan National Security Commission found we are not ready for war with China or Russia? They flagged our technology and inventory as major concerns. Recruitment in the armed services is at an all-time low. Cyberattacks are devastating us. We’ve got unidentified objects flying over military bases, and no one can explain it. Yet here we are, with Tim Kaine grilling Hegseth about his marriage.”
Cuomo emphasized the stakes of the role, noting Hegseth’s lack of experience managing a federal agency and the immense responsibility of overseeing the U.S. military, one of the largest federal employers and the world’s most powerful defense force. “And instead of addressing those challenges, we’re stuck on this,” Cuomo said, underscoring the misplaced priorities of the hearing.
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“Thousands of military families are living in poverty while their loved ones serve this country, and yet that’s not a priority. That’s not seen as a threat,” Chris Cuomo remarked. “Instead, it’s his marriage and gender ‘gotchas’ that take center stage. And here’s the real shame: The right didn’t seize the opportunity for higher ground that the left handed them—a chance to focus on what truly matters for national defense.”
During the contentious hearing, Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny from Democratic senators over his past behavior and positions on military policies. Questions ranged from his views on women in combat roles and diversity initiatives to allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and excessive drinking—all of which Hegseth has denied. Democrats pressed him rigorously on these issues, seeking to challenge his fitness for the role.
Republican senators, on the other hand, rallied around Hegseth, emphasizing his military service and strong alignment with President-elect Trump’s vision for the Department of Defense. They criticized the focus on personal controversies, arguing that the hearing should center on national security priorities and Hegseth’s qualifications to lead the Pentagon.
The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to vote on Hegseth’s nomination in the coming days, with a full Senate vote to follow. If confirmed, Hegseth will take on the monumental task of leading the Department of Defense under the Trump administration, navigating complex challenges such as recruitment struggles, military readiness, and global threats.
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