"I would point out I've never disparaged women serving in the military," he told Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. "I respect every single female service member that has put on the

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., blasts Pete Hegseth's testimony, particularly regarding women in combat, at confirmation hearing The president-elect said he had an “obligation” to attack one specific late night host.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, has publicly faced senators for the first time.

Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth was grilled by female senators during his confirmation hearing over his past statements about women in combat. New York Sen.

N.Y., accused Pete Hegseth of "denigrating" women actively serving in the military, citing multiple past comments from the defense secretary nominee.

Hegseth was cool in the face of this unhinged questioning. They made him look good today,” said Scott Jennings on CNN.

"We don't want women in the military, especially in combat. What a terrible statement. So please do not deny that you've made those statements."

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, attempted to convince senators on Tuesday, Jan. 14, that he can be trusted to run the Pentagon despite his controversial past.

Hegseth pushed back on allegations that he disparaged women serving in the military under tough questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) unloaded on defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth for his remarks about women serving in combat. At Tuesday's Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing, Gillibrand noted that Hegseth had "denigrated" women in the military.

Pete Hegseth’s views on women in combat were a matter of public record long before the Senate Armed Services Committee heard his case to become Donald Trump’s Defense secretary. Women are “life-givers,