Pete Hegseth Rejects Our Values and Disrespects Women – His Nomination Must Be Rejected NOW

Statement by National NOW President Christian Nunes

WASHINGTON, DC-When Arizona Senator Mark Kelly asked Pete Hegseth about the sexual assault allegation against him and the numerous reports of public intoxication and sexual harassment of young women, he didn't apologize or explain-instead he called them "anonymous smears."

When Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii asked if Hegseth had ever committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature, or faced discipline or entered into a settlement relating to such conduct, Pete Hegseth again hid the truth-falsely claiming he was "completely cleared" after entering into a non-disclosure agreement and paying his accuser to ensure she didn't file a complaint.

And when New York Senator Kristen Gillibrand read back Pete Hegseth's own words disparaging women in the U.S. military, "We have hundreds - HUNDREDS - of women who serve in the infantry, lethal members of our military … But you degrade them!"

The truth is that Pete Hegseth has demonstrated his disregard for women, for the military, and for a system of justice that's equal for all. The verdict is clear. Today's nomination hearing gave senators everything they needed to hear to judge Pete Hegseth's qualifications to be Secretary of Defense. He has none.

NOW calls on senators from both parties to stand with their principles and reject this nominee.