WATCH: In Senate Floor Speech, Kelly Makes Clear Why Hegseth is Uniquely Unqualified for Secretary of Defense

“Are you sure you trust him with this job?” Kelly asked colleagues

Today, ahead of the confirmation vote for Secretary of Defense nominee Peter Hegseth, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly forcefully spoke on the Senate floor against confirming “the most unprepared nominee to lead the Department of Defense that has ever been put forward.” 

In his speech, Kelly emphasized that this might be the most important job in the country other than the presidency, and that putting Hegseth in this role—an individual with limited defense experience, failed management leadership, and concerning personal issues he hasn’t been transparent about—is a risk for servicemembers and U.S. national security. 

“Not every Secretary of Defense nominee checks the box for each of those qualifications. It’s impossible for us to expect that. The job is too big,” Kelly said on the floor. “But what is clear to me at the end of this process is that Mr. Hegseth does not check any of the boxes.” 

Kelly noted specific reported incidents of alcohol abuse in Hegseth’s previous jobs and how the nominee had the opportunity to explain them in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee, but instead called them “anonymous smears.” 

“Well, first of all, they are not all anonymous. The committee has had access to sworn affidavits from individuals who witnessed this behavior firsthand,” Kelly affirmed. 

At the end of his remarks, Kelly addressed his colleagues who have expressed support for Hegseth. 

“Are you sure that you trust him with this job? Are you sure there isn’t another individual the president could choose who could pursue the same goals but is better prepared to do this job? Are you sure it’s worth the risk to our service members, to our national security, and to your families? I know I’m not,” Kelly concluded. 

Click here to view and download Sen. Kelly’s remarks.