Longtime CNN Host Flips, Scorches Democrats For ‘Toxic’ Hegseth Hearing: ‘We Saw The Enemy’

Now hosting on NewsNation, Chris Cuomo gave a harsh assessment of the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing for Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth. The former CNN host accused lawmakers of prioritizing culture war flashpoints over urgent national security concerns, calling the session a “toxic game of division.” Cuomo’s criticism centered on the Democratic line of questioning, which delved into Hegseth’s personal life, particularly his past marital issues.

“My opinion is we saw the enemy today at Pete Hegseth’s Armed Services Committee hearing, and it’s us,” Cuomo said. “Not you, but the toxic game of division played by the people who we put in power.” Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) questioned Hegseth about an incident in Monterey, California, in 2017, around the same time Hegseth fathered a child with a woman who would later become his third wife.

Kaine pressed, “You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman that was not your wife. I assume that in each of your weddings you’ve pledged to be faithful to your wife.” Hegseth responded, “I have failed in things in my life and thankfully I’m redeemed by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Cuomo added, “So, because of his marriage, he can’t be trusted with the oath of office? How many people on that committee, how many in Congress, could pass the Kaine test?” He pointed out Kaine’s support for Bill Clinton despite similar personal scandals.

“You know, a bipartisan National Security Commission found we are not ready for war with China or Russia. Do you know that? They suggested our technology and our inventory are a question mark. Recruitment across the armed services is weak,” Cuomo said. “Cyber attacks are crushing us, increasingly. All these big things are flying around, including over military bases. No one can explain it. And this guy, who has never led anything like a federal agency, is up for a job over the biggest war machine in the world, which is one of the largest employers in the federal government, and Tim Kaine wants to talk to him to exhaustion about his marriage.”

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“Thousands of military members’ families are literally living in poverty while their loved ones are serving. And that, they don’t wanna worry about. That’s not a threat. His marriage, gender ‘gotchas,’ that’s what matters?” Cuomo remarked. “Look, here’s the worst part: The right did not take the opportunity for high ground that the left gave them—an opportunity to discuss what really matters to national defense.”

During the hearing, Hegseth faced rigorous questioning from Democratic senators concerning his past conduct and views on military policies, particularly regarding women in combat roles and diversity initiatives. The session was marked by an intense examination of allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and excessive drinking, all of which Hegseth has denied. Republican senators largely defended Hegseth, highlighting his military service and alignment with President-elect Trump’s vision for the Department of Defense. The Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to vote on Hegseth’s nomination in the coming days, followed by a full Senate vote. If confirmed, Hegseth will assume leadership of the Department of Defense under Trump’s administration.