As an attorney, I know firsthand the devastation that follows from crimes like sexual assault. Many victims face lifelong trauma coupled with shame, guilt and a violation of their dignity. As many women suffered in silence, a massive and necessary reckoning occurred during the #MeToo movement to validate, empower and provide strength to survivors who suffered for years.
But with any movement, when weaponized and motivated by political gain, its moral compass erodes and overshadows the real victims.
The direct misuse of #MeToo is exactly what is occurring during the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense. Hegseth is a soldier’s soldier — a leader whose life’s work has been selflessly dedicated to protecting the freedoms Americans hold dear. He has faced combat and served with distinction, receiving multiple badges of honor including the Bronze Star Medal. Hegseth holds an unwavering commitment to defending our country and is unapologetically candid about his positions as he stands against the infiltration of woke ideology in the Department of Defense. This is a stance that terrifies his detractors.
As many Americans witnessed in his recent unscripted press conference, Hegseth did something we barely see in Washington — he shared his story of redemption with unscripted and unfiltered honesty. He acknowledged his past and spoke of the transformative power of family, faith, and service. As his wife, Jenny, stood beside him with admiration and support, Hegseth without hesitation declared that he is “a different man than he was years ago.” This display of vulnerability is rare, inspiring and commendable. Owning your mistakes and allowing them to shape you into a better person is what real men and leaders do. We should expect this from our politicians today.
Unfortunately, for the naysayers Hegseth’s strength of character and America First policy convictions are the real problem. Given that they are not able to challenge his stellar qualifications and service record, his opponents are resorting to a familiar tactic – weaponize the #MeToo movement to defame with filth and baseless lies. The allegations against Hegseth were dismissed by police based on lack of corroborating evidence years ago and only surfaced after Hegseth emerged as a frontrunner for the position. Wake up America. The timing should not surprise you and the motives are transparent.
This is not just an attack on Hegseth with the intent to hurt his reputation, this is a direct affront to the principles of justice. Every false or unsubstantiated #MeToo claim leveraged for political gain dilutes the credibility of real victims. Baseless claims that are further promoted through mainstream media undermine the intent of the movement which was to protect and empower survivors. As an attorney, I have witnessed the detrimental toll of sexual violence. I will not stand by while the pain of real victims is weaponized for political expediency and at the cost of Hegseth’s reputation.
Hegseth is a battle-tested leader who understands our enemies and the challenges our country faces. He stands ready on day one to confront the direct threats of our time, from the adversaries we face on the world stage to pressing domestic national security concerns.
The American people sent a clear mandate in November. It is time to turn the page on years of disastrous Democratic leadership and refocus on safeguarding America First. Pete Hegseth, like Donald Trump, is the right man for the job. His accusers may seek to disqualify him with lies, but his record, redemption, and determination prove otherwise.
America is ready. The Republican Senate must take note and ignore the partisan lies of a fractured and failing Democrat Party. Confirm Pete Hegseth as secretary of Defense. Help Make America Great Again by standing firm and refusing to give credence to lies that devalue the #MeToo movement and unjustly smear a man who embodies the honor, integrity and commitment America needs in this critical role. This nation deserves leaders intent on building America up, not tearing down their political rivals. We deserve leaders like Pete Hegseth.
Mehek Cooke, an attorney and political strategist, was a surrogate for the Trump for President Campaign and the Republican National Convention.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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