Staff Reports
Senator Mark Kelly seems to be taking a page straight out of the Democratic playbook with his recent criticisms aimed at Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Defense. On CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Kelly expressed concerns over Hegseth’s qualifications for the role, claiming that the appointment requires a level of experience that he believes Hegseth lacks. It’s hardly surprising that a Democrat would throw shade at a qualified candidate; after all, criticizing others is often easier than building anything oneself.
As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Kelly should be well aware that Secretary of Defense is a job of utmost importance. But apparently, he hasn’t figured out that having a solid record of service and leadership, like Hegseth, counts for something in the eyes of Americans who want a strong military. Instead, the senator fixated on personal conduct allegations from Hegseth’s past in organizations like Veterans for Freedom. Forget the fact that many Democrats have been mired in scandals more egregious than a slight mismanagement of funds or overly relaxed office culture—let’s bust out the magnifying glass to scrutinize a Republican nominee.
Donald Trump’s Cabinet pick Pete Hegseth is unqualified to lead the Department of Defense.https://t.co/qcsUsT2uZa
— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) January 7, 2025
One can’t help but wonder if Kelly’s concerns are truly about Hegseth’s background or if they’re simply a cover for his party’s desire to prevent any Trump appointee from making waves. Those FBI background checks are just the cherry on the cake, and it’s clear that Kelly wants to snatch a piece of that cake—perhaps out of a sheer desire to serve up a hot slice of political resistance. Not exactly a flattering portrayal of bipartisanship, is it?
Moreover, Kelly’s insistence on getting more information suggests that transparency for Democrats is selective at best. If only they showed the same vigor when it came to investigating the myriad issues surrounding their own party members. It’s as if the Democrats have developed an allergy to integrity when it means digging into their own scandals. The good senator doesn’t seem to realize that the more he pushes for transparency on Hegseth, the more he showcases his own party’s lack thereof.
Interestingly, Hegseth seems to be evading a meeting with Kelly and his fellow Democrats—a move that could either be seen as tactical genius or a stroke of genius procrastination on Hegseth’s part. Either way, he’s certainly not going to let Kelly put him in a bind without a fight. Hegseth’s record speaks volumes, and while some may want to tear him down with stories of past missteps, Americans are largely looking for strength, decisiveness, and a leader who isn’t afraid to speak their mind. With all this drama, it appears that a strong Secretary of Defense is exactly what the country needs—not more politically motivated antics from the other side.
