What to watch for at Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing

Pete Hegseth, President Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary, will face a barrage of questions Tuesday from members of the Senate committee considering his expected nomination.

It could be a contentious hearing. Mr. Hegseth has faced scrutiny over allegations of excessive drinking and allegations of sexual abuse.

He was also criticized for comments about limiting the role of women in the military.

Here’s what to watch out for while the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing is underway:

Questions related to his alcohol consumption

Mr Hegseth will almost certainly be asked about his alcohol use. The New York Times and other media organizations have documented the history of excessive drinking, including some episodes Mr. Hegseth himself described. He promised that, if confirmed, “there will not be a drop of alcohol on my lips.” Will that be enough for the senators on the committee?

Allegations of sexual assault

How will Mr. Hegseth to address concerns about a 2017 police investigation into whether he raped a woman after a speech in Monterey, California? He said the sex was consensual and he agreed to pay the woman a secret financial settlement only to protect his job. No criminal charges have been filed.

Management experience

Other ministers of defense in recent history had much more managerial experience than Mr. Hegseth, former weekend host of “Fox & Friends.” His back-to-back tenures at the helm of two small veterans groups from 2008 to 2016 ended with both in financial trouble. How will he answer questions about his ability to lead the Pentagon, an $849 billion company with nearly three million employees?

Views on diversity

Mr Hegseth complained about “woke” generals who he said had left the military “feminised” by supporting diversity policies that drove away “America’s white sons and daughters”.

Women in battle

Mr Hegseth also said that “we should not have women in combat roles.” Now he says women can serve if they meet the right standard. What will he say about whether he would return the watch in the army?

International politics, including the war in Ukraine

Lawmakers are also likely to ask Mr. Hegseth on the main issues of international politics. He expressed skepticism regarding the continuation of providing military aid to Ukraine. Is that still his view?

Given Iran’s weakened state, should the United States, perhaps in cooperation with Israel, launch military strikes against Iran’s nuclear program?

What additional steps should the US military take to counter the growing military threat from China?