New Republican senator scathing at Dems ‘trying to delay’ Pete Hegseth’s DOD confirmation
FIRST ON FOX: New Republican Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana entangled with Democrats over what he said was an attempt to delay confirmation hearings for Trump’s nominees, particularly Defense Department nominee Pete Hegseth.
Banks urged Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., to proceed with Hegseth’s scheduled confirmation hearing on January 14, as planned and not to be influenced by the demands of the Democrats.
“As you know, the senators who will oppose Hegseth’s nomination no matter what are seeking to delay and deny President Trump The Minister of Defense is confirmed quickly. If successful, it will harm America’s national security during a crucial transition of power later this month,” he wrote to Wicker on Wednesday.
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Sen. Jim Banks said Democrats, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal, right, want to delay Pete Hegseth’s hearing. (Reuters)
The Republican letter comes after fellow committee member Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., sent his own correspondence to Wicker, arguing that the committee needs more information and documentation from the nominee to properly consider him.
“I am deeply concerned that the Senate Armed Services Committee is considering appointing Pete Hegseth to this critically important position without a full understanding of his ability and experience to lead our military and manage a budget of nearly $850 billion,” Blumenthal said, referring to allegations that Hegseth mismanaged finances while running a nonprofit for veterans.
The Connecticut Democrat added, “I don’t see how this committee can in good conscience consider appointing Mr. Hegseth without a full review of his conduct while leading these organizations — the only civilian management experience of his career.”
Blumenthal said he requested that additional Hegseth documents be reviewed, “including credit card transactions and other uses of resources.”
Additionally, the Democrat claimed that Hegseth “refuses to be available to meet with me and my Democratic colleagues prior to his nomination hearing.”
However, a familiar source told Fox News Digital that Hegseth reached out to Democrats in early or mid-December to meet. The only Democrat willing to do so was Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who sat down with him last month.
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The others, the source said, waited a few days before the scheduled hearing on January 14 to respond. As is the case with these types of candidates, Hegseth is expected to be in preparation for the hearing in the days leading up to the hearing.
In his letter to Wicker, Banks condemned Blumenthal’s request. “Senator Blumenthal’s letter to you and the rest of the Committee is the latest attempt to achieve their goal. In his letter, he makes baseless and anonymous allegations against Mr. Hegseth about his time as a leader of two organizations that advocated for America’s veterans. Senator Blumenthal’s letter intentionally omits the fact that veterans who have worked professionally with Mr. Hegseth are on the record supporting his nomination,” he wrote.
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Senator Jim Banks said he fully supports Pete Hegseth, correct. (Getty Images)
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The Republican acknowledged that Blumenthal has the right to question Hegseth on the floor and ultimately oppose his confirmation. But, “He has no right to delay the important work of the Armed Services Committee on the national security of the United States,” Banks said.
Wicker did not immediately provide comment to Fox News Digital.
