Pete Hegseth, former Fox Information host and Donald Trump’s nominee for Defence Secretary, confronted intense scrutiny throughout his Senate affirmation listening to with a viral second including to the backlash.
Hegseth, questioned about his data of the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), failed to call any member international locations of the bloc or their significance in U.S. safety technique.
The alternate occurred when Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois requested Hegseth about ASEAN’s significance.
Duckworth, a veteran crucial of Hegseth’s nomination, requested that he identify an ASEAN nation, describe its significance, and state the variety of members within the bloc. Hegseth admitted, “I couldn’t inform you the precise quantity of countries in that,” earlier than referencing U.S. allies South Korea, Japan, and Australia—none of that are a part of ASEAN.
Duckworth shortly corrected him, emphasising the significance of understanding ASEAN’s ten member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
She urged Hegseth to “perform a little homework” earlier than negotiating on behalf of the U.S.
The second, which has gained tens of millions of views on social media, drew sharp criticism from each lawmakers and public figures.
Former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell questioned Hegseth’s {qualifications}, posting: “Hegseth can’t identify one ASEAN nation. America, if you would like peace and safety, this ain’t it!”
Others echoed her considerations. Liberal advocacy group VoteVets known as the second a “mic drop,” whereas critics on X deemed the gaffe “terrifying” and indicative of a scarcity of preparedness.
Defenders of Hegseth argued the query was unfair. Former Congressman Peter Meijer stated the criticism was unwarranted, stating: “Clearly Hegseth heard ‘Asia’ and referenced key Indo-Pacific allies. ASEAN isn’t immediately related to defence on this context.”
Nevertheless, ASEAN has been central to the U.S. Indo-Pacific technique since Trump’s first time period, with Washington searching for to counterbalance China’s rising affect. The bloc, whereas not a army alliance, consists of key companions just like the Philippines and Thailand, with Singapore designated as a Main Safety Cooperation Associate.
The listening to additionally delved into Hegseth’s historical past of alleged misconduct, his views on ladies within the army, and his involvement within the pardoning of people accused of warfare crimes, additional fuelling controversy over his nomination.