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Trump Defense Pick Hegseth On Cap Hill For Confirmation Hearing; Pete Hegseth Questioned In Confirmation Hearing; Hegseth Grilled On Qualifications, Views On Women In Combat; Sources: Trump Team Feels Good About Hegseth Hearing; Extreme Fire Alert Brings New Danger to Los Angeles Basin; Trump Defense Secy Pick Asked About America First Policy; Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) Discusses About Pete Hegseth's Confirmation Hearing. Aired 3-3:30p ET

Aired January 14, 2025 - 15:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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[15:02:07]

DANA BASH, CNN HOST: Welcome to our special breaking coverage of the Senate confirmation hearing for Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.

It was a contentious four-plus hours of questioning. Hegseth, of course, a Fox News host, decorated combat veteran, faced a barrage of questions for what he calls the most important deployment of his life. Lawmakers grilled him on everything from possible invasion of Greenland, that was mentioned by the man who wants him to be defense secretary, combat readiness, women in combat roles and ending, quote, "wokeness" within the ranks, and also sexual assault and substance abuse allegations that have been leveled against him, which he denies. He also was questioned about why he feels he's qualified to lead the largest department in the U.S. government, nearly 3 million personnel, despite never running an organization even close to that magnitude. Here's a portion of his opening statement, which was briefly interrupted by protesters.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

Pete Hegseth: As I've said to many of you in private meetings, when President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense. He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on lethality, meritocracy, war fighting, accountability and readiness.

To bring back war fighting, if confirmed, I'm going to work with President Trump and this committee to, one, restore the warrior ethos to the Pentagon and throughout our fighting force. In doing so, we will reestablish trust in our military, addressing the recruiting crisis, the retention crisis, and readiness crisis in our ranks.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: My colleagues have been watching these hearings from Capitol Hill to Florida near the President-elect's Mar-a-Lago home: Manu Raju, Oren Liebermann, Alayna Treene.

Manu, I want to start with you.

You have now made your way, I see, from the Dirksen building over to the U.S. Capitol. I think you saw the Senate Majority Leader John Thune along the way, what's he saying?

MANU RAJU, CNN CHIEF CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I just asked John Thune about this nomination. Thune has really not said a whole lot about whether he would support Hegseth. I asked him if he had any concerns about the allegations of sexual assault, misconduct, and the like, all of which Hegseth denied. He said he - that Hegseth, quote, "Acquitted himself well today." And he also said that he plans to move on this nomination quickly.

When I asked him if he wants to move this to the Senate floor by next week. So there's a big push for Republicans to get this done. I also caught up with the Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, Roger Wicker, just moments ago. He told me that he believes that all committee Republicans will vote to advance this nomination.

[15:05:02]

That includes that one vote of Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican vote watched - closely watched. She had a friendly exchange with Hegseth in that hearing just moments ago.

And then, I caught up with Wicker, too, about the questions about the FBI background check into Hegseth. We heard complaints from Democratic senators that this was incomplete, did not interview some of his accusers, especially the accuser from 2017 about that sexual assault allegation, why did they not interview that woman.

And Wicker indicated that this investigation was thorough and that the woman did not want to be interviewed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. ROGER WICKER (R-MS): They did a thorough interview of persons at all the places where Mr. Hegseth has lived and worked. And I don't have any objection to the report.

RAJU: Why didn't they interview the accuser of that sexual assault from 2017?

WICKER: I don't think she wanted to speak. And there - they interviewed some 60 or more witnesses and three asked not to be identified.

SEN. MARK KELLY (D-AZ): He didn't meet with any of us except for Jack Reed. You know, that's not typical of how this process is supposed to work. And I can only speak for my office. We gave them multiple days, multiple opportunities, very clear to us - I mean, it should be clear to everybody that he avoided meeting with all of us.

(END VIDEO CLIP) RAJU: And that was a common criticism from Democrats throughout the hearing that Pete Hegseth, when he was trying - was meeting with members ahead of this hearing, he focused primarily on Republicans, really only met with one committee Democrat, and that was Jack Reed. And that same Democrat, Jack Reed, is the only member on the Democratic side who saw that FBI background check, Roger Wicker being the only Republican senator. Wicker indicating that he would not allow the full access to the committee in keeping with practice from other nominees in the past.

But even, Dana, as you know, the Democratic complaints only go so far. They don't have the votes to stop him. At the moment, Republicans are confident they will have the votes to confirm.

BASH: Yes, and I know that people out there might be saying, why are the Democrats complaining about something that might seem sort of process-y. But they also, most of them who have been there, made the point at the beginning of their questioning if they have voted for Republican nominees for defense secretary in the past, that that's what they did, meaning that this is not always the partisan situation that it is in this particular case, even with Donald Trump in his first term.

Manu, thanks so much for that great reporting.

I want to go now to Oren, who covers the Pentagon for us.

Oren, you're still up there on Capitol Hill. It really - it was striking, not surprising, given the way that we have seen Hegseth kind of evolve in his private conversations with people like Joni Ernst, but still noteworthy to hear the difference in his public comments when it comes to his view of women in combat. And it was just - I believe it was in November, where he gave some statement saying that he's very much against it.

And today, in this hearing, he sang a very different tune to the point where Jeanne Shaheen, who was a longtime member of this committee, longtime senator, said, "I appreciate your 11th hour conversion."

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: In fact, it was just a day or two before he was picked as the nominee for defense secretary that he said essentially, period, women should not serve in combat roles. And then to have made this effectively a transformation in the matter of a number of weeks here, when he was asked about this, and he was asked repeatedly by different Democratic senators in the committee about his position here, he effectively, at the beginning, tried to offer a bit of a contrition, not quite an apology, but tried to say that he supports all genders and all races in all roles for which they are qualified.

So he tried to make it a question about meritocracy, but his comments were repeatedly brought back to him, comments that were made quite emphatically against women serving in combat roles. He then tried to make it a question about the standards applied to women. He even at one point tried to argue that there were quotas for infantry officers for women, and he was shut down quite quickly on that when it was pointed out that there are no such quotas.

So this was one of the main points upon which Democratic senators attacked Pete Hegseth as he effectively tried to perhaps walk back his earlier comments about women in combat roles. When it comes to questions of DEI or perceived wokeness in the military, that was a - effectively a doubling down, and he certainly got some help from Republican senators there. He said, and made clear that that's one of his top priorities to remove if confirmed.

BASH: All right, Oren, thank you so much for that. Appreciate it.

Now, I want to go to Alayna.

Oren was just talking about the way that he changed his tune on women in combat.

[15:09:59]

One of the things that was most striking for somebody who almost didn't make it to this point to get the hearing because of allegations, which he denies, about sexual assault, about drinking on the job at Fox and elsewhere that he was so Trump-ian in the way that he responded to those questions, both in terms of his demeanor and also his absolute refusal to say anything other than, you know, these are people who are trying to attack me. He said something like these are anonymous sources or anonymous allegations, for the most part, without fully denying it, sidestepping it.

ALAYNA TREENE, CNN REPORTER: No, that's exactly right. And I think Trump-ian, his posturing, his answers, the way that he answered those questions is definitely the right characterization. I'd remind you as well that Hegseth has gone under rigorous preparation for today for these different moments with Trump's allies, with some Republican senators themselves to prepare for moments like that. They had spent hours yesterday, but also over the course of recent weeks, really working with him on going through mock try or mock hearings, excuse me, and different mock scenarios to answer those questions.

And when I talked to Donald Trump's team today about this, they said that they are very happy with the way that he defended himself, and they are encouraged that perhaps he will be able to get a quick confirmation, especially after seeing how the different Republicans on that committee responded to him.

I'd remind you that it was very unclear how many Republicans would act. It's still unclear if Republicans will fall in line to get behind Hegseth said, but they do feel encouraged after today. They told me now, two key things that they pointed out as well as, one, how both Roger Wicker and Sen. Joni Ernst responded during the hearing.

One, I'd note that Wicker we really hadn't heard much about from him on Hegseth, but he gave him a very warm welcome. The chairman went opening. He said that he was an excellent choice that Donald Trump had made, so they were encouraged by that.

And then, of course, Joni Ernst was a Republican that everyone was watching. She had initially been very hesitant. I would note that she, of course, is a veteran herself. She's also been very vocal about the sexual assault that she had gone - had received - had been exposed to, but also sexual assault in the military currently.

She actually did not have many fireworks in her line of questioning or hard questions for Hegseth. Instead, she really said that they address those concerns during their private meetings. All to say, again, that Donald Trump's team is feeling very good about this. The key question now is if he can get through with the entire Republican conference in the Senate, Dana?

BASH: Yes, you can't afford to lose more than three Republican senators. But doesn't seem like that's a - that's going to happen right now. But you never know until the votes are taken. Alayna, thank you so much for joining us on this very windy day there in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Right now, speaking of winds, the Greater Los Angeles region is under heightened alert as a new round of dangerous Santa Ana winds. They're moving into areas already ravaged by deadly wildfires. For the next 24 hours, the L.A. Basin could see near hurricane-force winds, sweep in and exacerbate conditions for firefighters dealing with the Palisades and Eaton fires, two of California's deadliest and most destructive ever.

CNN obtained video that may show the moment the Eaton fire erupted, Tuesday evening. You're looking at it now. A Pasadena resident captured these images of flames at the base of an electoral - electrical tower, rather, that was right near his home. CNN's Veronica Miracle is on the ground in Altadena.

Veronica, what are you learning and what are you hearing from residents who are maybe starting to come back as much as they can to see what's left of their beloved neighborhood?

VERONICA MIRACLE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, it's been really difficult. We'll show you some of that community outreach and support in just a moment. But in reference to those videos of the start - a potential start of the fire. In addition to that video, we've obtained two other videos from people who live in the area who also say that they saw the fire start at the base of an electrical transmission tower.

Now, Southern California Edison, the utility company has vehemently denied claims that they're responsible for the start of the fire. And firefighters say that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. But we're hearing more from residents of what they saw that deadly night.

In terms of the winds that you were also just talking about, it's picking up a little bit. But in terms of the forecast, what the National Weather Service had forecasted has actually not come to fruition, which is great news. But I did speak with firefighters just a bit ago, and they are concerned that the winds could pick up this afternoon, so everyone is on high alert.

[15:15:03] And how can they not be? It's been a very difficult week for so many.

Just right across there is a checkpoint where the National Guard is stopping people from coming in and out. And then just across the street, we're going to move over a little bit, though our service is really bad, people are just bringing donations after donations to help those who have lost everything.

In fact, there's so many donations here that the owners of this house say they don't need any more. They just need residents who need support to come and take what they need. So, so many community members want to support, Dana?

BASH: Yes, some of the best of humanity showing up in these days since this started last week amid some of the worst of destruction than humans are seeing. Thank you so much, Veronica. Appreciate that.

And let's get an update on the red flag warnings with CNN Meteorologist, Derek Van Dam.

Derek, what are the models showing you about these winds?

DEREK VAN DAM, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, Dana, there has been some relief. You just heard it there a moment ago from Veronica that the winds did not get realized as bad as what was originally forecast. But there is still kind of a caveat to that, because what could happen later tonight is something we want to keep a very close eye on.

So the latest and greatest information that we have is that the high wind warnings have been now removed from the hardest hit areas. I'll show you that in just one moment. But I want to remind our viewers anyone who happens to be tuning in from Southern California that this area is still ripe for explosive fire growth. And the reason is because of the dry tinderbox conditions, but also the winds that are still there, not as strong as what's originally forecast, but they could pick up later today. And there's just simply no rain in this forecast, unfortunately.

Now, 20 to 30-mile-per-hour sustained winds. We still have the potential gusts over 50 miles per hour, especially in those higher elevations. This is a particularly dangerous situation. We highlighted this yesterday. This is much of Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley.

This area they've really honed in on as the potential for this greatest risk for this explosive fire growth to take place. It'll be interesting to see if that's lifted in the coming hours with the lessened winds that have actually taken place. But what happens tonight, that's another completely different scenario. We do anticipate that Santa Ana winds here will at least begin to pick up in intensity through this afternoon and evening maybe, though, Dana, as we consider whether or not it's as powerful as what was experienced yesterday at this time.

BASH: That's some slight cooperation from Mother Nature.

VAN DAM: Right.

BASH: Let's hope it stays that way. A little rain would be nice, too, if she's listening.

VAN DAM: Yes.

BASH: Derek, thank you so much. I appreciate it.

And when we come back, more on the Senate confirmation hearing this morning for Donald Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, Senate Armed Services Committee member, Jacky Rosen, who was one of the questioners, of course, she will be here after a quick break.

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[15:22:23]

BASH: Donald Trump's America First policy was one of many issues discussed at Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing today. The Defense Secretary nominee was questioned about a lot of issues about NATO, whether or not the U.S. could face its adversaries alone. Is your interpretation that America First foreign policy is America alone?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JACKY ROSEN (D-NV): Does your interpretation that America First foreign policy is America alone? Does that include abandoning our allies and partners such as NATO, Taiwan, Israel and others? You wrote that NATO is at relic, at best a distraction, and should be scrapped and remade. Are you okay with sending us down a path where we can't win?

HEGSETH: Senator, the world has had - our friends in the world have had no better ally, our allies and partners have had no better friend, than President Donald Trump, who's reinvigorated a NATO alliance.

ROSEN: I'm not talking about President Donald Trump ...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Joining me now is that senator you just saw there, Jacky Rosen, Democrat of Nevada.

Senator, thank you so much for being here.

First question is about your overall impression. We heard this from Sen. Slotkin, that she comes from Michigan and she won re-election, even though the President-elect won her state. Same thing with you, you won re-election, congratulations, and Donald Trump won your state of Nevada. Does that give you pause in thinking about whether or not you'll vote for or against his nominees, particularly someone as important as Defense Secretary?

ROSEN: Well, first of all, thank you for having me. And what I want to say to that is that we thoroughly, try to thoroughly vet every single nominee, regardless of party, regardless of position. That is our role in the Senate, to advice and consent.

Our role is to get that - have that person give that job interview, if you will, for the American people, for these jobs that are so important. And nothing more important or significant than Department of Defense.

This person, the Secretary of Defense, they are the person that, except for the president, leads our men and women in the military and our civilian employees, about three and a half million of them, manage about an $800 billion budget. We need that person to be strong, to be respected and I can tell you after the answers that Mr. Hegseth gave today, he is unqualified for the job and I can tell you why.

For years he's been on television. You've played my clip before. Those were his words. He's had opinions.

[15:25:01]

He's written books.

And suddenly, suddenly since he's been nominated, he has changed his tune. Who is the real Pete Hegseth? What does he stand for? The person he has been or the person since he's been nominated? And once he's confirmed, what can the American people expect?

BASH: So just to put a fine point on it ...

ROSEN: Yes.

BASH: ... it sounds like you are definitively voting against him in committee and then ultimately on the floor.

ROSEN: I do not feel that he is qualified to do this job. I can tell you that if he would have come and met with any of us except Sen. Reed, I was going to call him chairman, he's now a ranking member, excuse me. It's a precedent of our committees to meet with nominees. I've been meeting with other nominees that are going to come before the Commerce Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee. It's important that they come and we have this hour to chat with them about some of these things so we don't have to do it in the public eye and we can get those questions resolved.

He hasn't come forward with some of some of the reports. The FBI vetting seems to lack information and he has not been clear or transparent and you can see through the hearing he refused to clearly answer many questions particularly as you mentioned from Sen. Slotkin.

BASH: Well one of the questions that he did answer, because he was asked by a number of senators including Republican Joni Ernst was about his position on women in combat and he before the election in November had given an interview that suggested that he was very much against women in combat. And under questioning from Sen. Ernst and others, he suggested that that view has changed or at least that position has changed the position he would take as Defense Secretary. What do you make of that? ROSEN: Well again he's held this position, he's written about it in the books, he's written about it or spoken about it on podcasts, on his television show, on many other shows. He's been a certain person. He's had these opinions and for the last 30 days all of a sudden he's changed that opinion, so we don't know who he is.

And I can tell you he continues to keep saying that we are lowering standards in the military. I want to be clear to everybody out there if Sen. Duckworth wasn't clear enough as she questioned him before me, we do not lower standards in the military. We have not done that. Our men and women in the military deserve to be respected and they are a strong and lethal fighting force. And because of women in the military, we have strengthened our military in every single area that we've gone into and I'm not sure which Pete Hegseth we're going to get. The one that wants women in the military or the one that doesn't think we can do the job maybe especially after you have a baby suddenly you can't be in combat either. He has a lot of views that we don't agree with and we just don't know who he really is.

BASH: Senator, your line of questioning mostly about his position on America's role in the world. You also asked about veterans. The women in combat issue, we were just talking about, those are really important meaty policy questions. Because of the allegations against Pete Hegseth, there was a lot of questioning on those issues as well including from your colleague from Virginia, Sen. Tim Kaine, who really went there on a lot of very specific, very personal questions about the marriages and divorces and children that Pete Hegseth has had and his alleged drinking issues. Did you feel like that line of questioning landed?

ROSEN: Well I can tell you this, this job a lot of it's about character. You are leading the men and women in the military. They are looking up to you. This was the - I talked about veterans, one of the reasons I talked about veterans and one of the other reasons that Tim Kaine and others are talking about character is that you think about recruiting. Someone wants to join the military. They want to know that the people that are leading them, that they can respect them. They want to know that they're going to be taken care of when they finally become a veteran.

When you're active duty military, you want the same thing. And when you're a veteran, you want to be able to access those benefits, to buy a home, to go to school, whatever they are, open a small business. We have so many small business veteran owners - veteran-owned small businesses, excuse me, in Nevada. It's important when men and women and their families sign on that line to keep us safe and protect us, we have to take care of them too.

So all of this is the arc of character, all of this is the arc of recruiting and how we stand up and how we treat ourselves and others with respect. And I think that was the - really why we went to the issue of character in all of these areas.

BASH: Senator Jacky Rosen from Nevada, I appreciate you being here.

[15:30:00] ROSEN: Thank you.

BASH: And coming up, talks on a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel that goes along with hostages being released are said to be very close.