Press Releases

LCV Statement on Senate Confirmation Hearing of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense

Jan 14, 2025

Washington, D.C. — In response to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement from Senior Director of Judiciary & Democracy Doug Lindner:

“The Secretary of Defense must serve the people and the constitution, not the President’s extreme and lawless political agenda. Pete Hegseth’s threats to politicize the military by purging officers, his refusal to reject unconstitutional orders, his defense of war crimes, his many allegations of personal and professional misconduct, and his well-documented extremism would be disqualifying if not for his overwhelming lack of qualifications. His record demonstrates his disregard for the rights of servicemembers and the freedoms of all people, especially women, LGBTQ+ people, and people of color. 

Our rights to breathe clean air and drink clean water need a stable democracy led by honorable public servants. Hegseth has made it clear that his appointment as Secretary of Defense would jeopardize the people’s freedom of assembly and the rule of law, as he dodged repeated questions in today’s hearing about respect for the Constitution and our fundamental freedoms. We applaud the Senators who asked tough questions today and urge the Senate to reject his nomination.” 

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