Pete Hegseth’s Tuesday confirmation hearing turned into a heated showdown as Democrats focused on personal issues rather than policy. A veteran and advocate, Maureen Bannon, CEO of the WarRoom, attended the session and shared her insights with her dad on Steve Bannon on the program.
"The Democrats were unhinged,” Maureen said. "It felt like a competition to see who could attack Pete the hardest.”
The hearing, meant to evaluate Hegseth’s qualifications for a top Department of Defense role, became a platform for contentious questioning. Democrats, particularly the female senators on the Armed Services Committee, fixated on Hegseth’s past remarks about women in combat roles.
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CPT Maureen Bannon Gives Her Firsthand Account Of Pete Hegseth's Confirmation Hearing @maureen_bannon pic.twitter.com/mDTymbpZw9
— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) January 14, 2025
"They didn’t ask about policy,” Maureen noted. "Instead, they focused on false allegations and dragged him for things he never said.”
Hegseth has previously expressed support for women serving in combat support roles but opposed lowering standards for front-line combat positions. Maureen backed his stance, drawing on her own experience as a logistics officer in Iraq.
"I supported those on the front lines,” she explained. "Women play crucial roles, but lowering standards for combat arms like infantry or artillery isn’t the answer.”
Republican senators, in contrast, asked substantive policy questions. They focused on Hegseth’s plans for the Department of Defense and his views on leadership and strategy. Maureen praised his responses.
"Pete showed why he’s qualified,” she said. "His answers were clear, thoughtful, and rooted in experience.”
The hearing took a controversial turn when Senator Tim Kaine referenced a seven-year-old child during his questioning. Maureen condemned the move as "despicable.”
"Kaine topped the unhinged questioning,” she said. "Dragging a child into this was beyond inappropriate.”
Maureen highlighted the intensity of the session, noting that veterans in the room were shocked by the tone. "It wasn’t about vetting a leader,” she said. "It was about tearing someone down.”
The conversation also touched on Maureen’s social media presence. She mentioned tweeting live updates during the hearing but suspected suppression of her posts.
"I might be a little suppressed right now,” she joked. "Some of my tweets aren’t getting views.”
Despite the challenges, Maureen expressed unwavering support for Hegseth. "He embodies the warrior ethos,” she said. "He’s ready to lead, and no amount of baseless attacks will change that.”
As the hearing concluded, Maureen prepared for an evening event representing Hegseth and his supporters. "We stand with Pete,” she said. "He’s the right person for the job.”
The hearing highlighted deep divisions over defense policy and the role of women in the military. It also showcased the personal toll public scrutiny can take on nominees.
For Hegseth, the road ahead remains uncertain. But for his supporters, like Maureen Bannon, his qualifications speak louder than the noise in the hearing room.
For fuller context, watch this full segment featuring Maureen Bannon: