Pete Hegseth Faces Backlash Over Geopolitical Gaffes During Confirmation Hearing

Pete Hegseth’s inability to answer basic geopolitical questions during his confirmation hearing left Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) “flabbergasted,” she told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Tuesday evening. Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s embattled nominee for Secretary of Defense, faced tough scrutiny during his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

One particularly tense exchange occurred when Duckworth asked Hegseth to name the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Hegseth named three countries—none of which are in the 10-member alliance.

Following the hearing, Blitzer asked Duckworth about her reaction. “Were you surprised he wasn’t able to answer your question?” “I’m flabbergasted that he was not able to answer a very simple question, and that especially since he actually mentioned the importance of the Indo-Pacific in his opening statement,” said Duckworth, a decorated combat veteran and the only senator of Southeast Asian descent.

Duckworth criticized Hegseth further, highlighting his failure to demonstrate knowledge essential for the role. “He also couldn’t tell me what are some of the ways that a Secretary of Defense would lead international negotiations with our allies, either,” she added.

“So, I mean, some very basic things that anybody who wants to be Secretary of Defense should be able to answer. And for him to not even know a single nation out of the 10 in ASEAN speaks very loudly to his lack of qualifications for the job.”

Hegseth, a Fox News personality and Trump ally is also grappling with other controversies, including allegations of sexual assault and alcohol abuse, both of which he denies. These issues have added to concerns among lawmakers over his fitness to lead the Department of Defense.

The hearing showcased the deep divisions among lawmakers regarding Hegseth’s nomination. While some Republicans have rallied around him, arguing that his military background and media experience make him a strong candidate, Democrats have raised serious concerns about his readiness to navigate the complexities of global defense strategy.

Duckworth’s pointed critique reflects a broader unease among critics who question Hegseth’s ability to lead one of the most critical departments in the federal government. The confirmation process continues to be a battleground for assessing his qualifications and addressing the controversies surrounding his nomination.