Trump nominee 'should scare all of us,' Duckworth says

CHICAGO - Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth has announced her intention to meet with Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary, calling him "dangerously unqualified" for the position.

"Should scare all of us," she said.

What we know

Duckworth, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a combat veteran, has expressed strong opposition to Hegseth, particularly due to his past remarks opposing women in combat roles.

"Every one of those women are more qualified to serve in the military than he is to be in charge of the Department of Defense," Duckworth told FOX 32 Chicago.

Hegseth, a former Army officer and television commentator, recently softened his stance, stating women should not serve in special combat roles but stopped short of broader opposition. Duckworth dismissed the shift, saying she remains unconvinced of his fitness to lead the Pentagon.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican, announced her support for Hegseth, despite previously voicing reservations.

"If he does (get confirmed), it’s because my Republican colleagues care more about sucking up to Donald Trump than they do keeping the country safe," Duckworth said.

Duckworth has also criticized Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s nominee for the Department of National Intelligence, calling her "compromised" and a "Russian asset," referencing comments made by Russian state media.

The other side

While Hegseth has faced sharp criticism from Democrats like Duckworth, Republican support for his confirmation is growing. His proponents argue that his military background and alignment with Trump’s defense priorities make him a suitable candidate for the role.