'Flabbergasted': Senator stunned by Pete Hegseth's answer about key alliance
Raw StoryPete Hegseth's inability to answer basic geopolitical questions left Sen. Tammy Duckworth "flabbergasted," she told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Tuesday evening. This came after a tense confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill before the Senate Armed Services Committee, where Hegseth, the embattled nominee for President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of Defense, was asked by Duckworth to name how many countries are in the Alliance of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN. "I'm flabbergasted that he was not able to answer a very simple question, and that especially since he actually mentioned the importance of the Indo-Pacific in his opening statement," said Duckworth, herself a disabled veteran and the only senator of southeast Asian descent. "But, you know, he also couldn't tell me what are some of the ways that a secretary of Defense would lead international negotiations with our allies, either," she added.
History of this topic
Pete Hegseth Weathers Brutal Questions On Drinking, Assault Claims In Senate Hearing
Huff Post
'What are you afraid of?' Sen. Tammy Duckworth yells as Pete Hegseth dodges questions
Raw Story
'Real trouble': Ex-GOP aide warns Trump key senator could block his plans
Raw StoryDiscover Related