Laughter Erupts During Senate Hearing As Pete Hegseth Quips About His Military Service In Response To Elizabeth Warren

Laughter erupted during the Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday as Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth retorted Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s questioning.

Hegseth has publicly expressed his belief that military generals should be banned from serving in the defense industry for 10 years after their departure from service, leading the senator to ask if he would commit to that same standard after exiting his potential role as the next defense secretary. After Warren pressed him on the topic, Hegseth concluded his response with a quip about his military record.

“But the question I have for you is, will you put your money where your mouth is and agree that when you leave this job, you will not work for the defense industry for 10 years?” Warren asked.

“Senator, it’s not even a question I’ve thought about,” Hegseth said. “Because it’s not one, my motivation for this job has never been about what could conceivably come next.”

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The Massachusetts senator interrupted Hegseth to accuse him of not living up to his own standards.

“In other words, you’re quite sure that every general who serves should not directly go into the defense industry for 10 years, but you’re not willing to make that same pledge?” Warren asked.

“I’m not a general, senator,” Hegseth replied, eliciting laughter from those in attendance.

Hegseth faced hostile questioning from Democratic senators, particularly about his views regarding women fighting in combat and his opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The defense nominee said during a Nov. 7 podcast interview that the military has not become more effective or lethal by allowing women into combat roles and