Warren Questions Hegseth During Hearing
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, demonstrated on Tuesday that he’s not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). During a fiery Senate Armed Forces Committee hearing, Warren attempted to trap Hegseth with a series of pointed questions, but the decorated Army veteran skillfully turned the tables, earning laughter and applause from the room in the process.
The exchange began when Warren, a frequent critic of the military-industrial complex, zeroed in on Hegseth’s past comments suggesting that retired generals should observe a ten-year waiting period before taking jobs in the defense industry.
Using her trademark rhetorical style, she framed the discussion as a test of Hegseth’s integrity, asking if he would impose the same restriction on himself should he ever leave the Pentagon.
Warren’s tone was sharp, as she demanded, “Will you put your money where your mouth is and agree that when you leave this job you will not work for the defense industry for 10 years?” The implication was clear: Warren wanted to cast doubt on Hegseth’s independence and his commitment to his own principles. But Hegseth, far from being rattled, calmly replied, “Senator, it’s not even a question I’ve thought about,” before adding that he would consult the applicable laws and policies before making such a decision.
WARREN: "You are quite sure every General who serves should not go directly into the defense industry for 10 years but you're not willing to make that same pledge?"
HEGSETH: "I'm not a General, Senator." pic.twitter.com/lGJQGhUWdS
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 14, 2025
Warren, however, wasn’t about to let the matter drop. With a smirk, she pressed him further: “You can think about it right now.” It was a clear attempt to box him into a corner. Yet Hegseth, rather than taking the bait, maintained his composure. “I would consult with the president about what the policy should be,” he responded, subtly reminding the committee that his role as Defense Secretary would be guided by the policies of the Commander-in-Chief.
Unwilling to back down, Warren escalated her attack, accusing him of holding a double standard: “In other words, you are quite sure that every general who serves should not go directly into the defense industry for 10 years, but you’re not willing to make that same pledge?”
That’s when Hegseth delivered the zinger that stopped her in her tracks. With a hint of humor, he shot back, “I’m not a general, Senator.” The room erupted in laughter, leaving Warren momentarily flustered as she tried to regain control of the exchange. After a pause, she countered weakly, “You’ll be the one, let us just be clear, in charge of the generals,” but the damage had already been done. Hegseth’s quick wit and calm demeanor had undercut her attempt to paint him as a hypocrite.
The moment was significant, not just for its entertainment value, but for what it revealed about both Hegseth and Warren. For Hegseth, it was a demonstration of his ability to stay cool under fire and push back against political theater. For Warren, it was a reminder that relentless posturing and gotcha questions can backfire, especially when aimed at a nominee who’s sharp, confident, and unafraid to engage directly.