GOP senator criticizes Dems for 'hypocritical' grilling of Hegseth: 'So ridiculous'

During his confirmation hearing, Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth was subjected to "hypocritical" questioning from Democratic senators, according to Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.

During his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Democrat senators on the Armed Services Committee posed a series of intense questions to Hegseth, who President-elect Trump nominated to lead the Pentagon in his upcoming administration.

""Senators, particularly those on the opposite side, are being hypocritical when they discuss their qualifications, as your own qualifications are not any better," Mullin stated before questioning Hegseth."

The Oklahoma Republican accused Democrats of questioning Hegseth about intoxication claims, which he denied.

Mullin countered the accusations against Hegseth by asserting that senators had previously voted while under the influence.

"Senator Kaine, or perhaps I should refer to the senator from Virginia, raises the question of what would happen if someone arrived at their job drunk. Mullin poses the same question, asking how many senators have ever voted while under the influence. Mullin's statement prompts some laughter from the audience. Mullin then asks if any of them have ever asked a senator to step down and resign due to their intoxication. Mullin emphasizes that he knows everyone in the room has seen it happen."

As Hegseth was grilled for the third hour, the senator persisted in attacking Democratic members.

"How many senators do you know have been divorced for cheating on their wives? Did you ask them to resign? No," Mullin said. "You guys make a big show of pointing out hypocrisy because a man has made a mistake, and you want to sit there and say he's not qualified. Give me a joke. It's so ridiculous that you guys hold yourselves as this higher standard. You forget you've got a big plank in your eye."

Jennifer was thanked by Mullin before he started questioning.

"Because my wife loved me too, I'm here instead of in prison. Although I've changed, I'm not perfect," he stated.