Pete Hegseth, a veteran of the Army National Guard and a Fox News host, faced challenges during his confirmation hearing for the position of U.S. Secretary of Defence. The hearing, held publicly, highlighted his lack of diplomatic and administrative experience when he failed to name a single member nation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Asean, composed of over 650 million people and representing the world's fifth-largest economy, is a crucial regional bloc.
During the hearing, Senator Tammy Duckworth, who was born in Bangkok to a Thai mother and an American father, questioned Hegseth about the number of countries in Asean. Instead of providing an accurate response, Hegseth was unable to name any member nation, prompting a visibly dismayed Duckworth to correct him.
"None of those countries are in Asean. I suggest you do a little homework." – Tammy Duckworth
A clip from the hearing, capturing Hegseth's struggle with the question, circulated widely, underscoring his limited knowledge about the significant international organization. His inability to answer such a fundamental question about Asean did not go unnoticed and sparked discussions regarding his readiness for the role.
Tammy Duckworth's involvement added a personal dimension to the exchange. Her background and connection to Southeast Asia likely intensified her reaction to Hegseth's oversight. The hearing's outcome has raised concerns over the qualifications of Hegseth for a position that demands extensive knowledge of global alliances and economies.
Hegseth's military background as an Army National Guard veteran contrasts sharply with the diplomatic acumen required for the role of Secretary of Defence. Critics argue that while his contributions to media as a Fox News host may have honed his public communication skills, they do not necessarily prepare him for the complexities of international diplomacy.
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