US senator warns Pentagon chief nominee of severe security threats from nuclear adversaries

The United States is facing an unprecedented security environment, with growing threats from China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and other international aggressors, according to U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Wicker’s remarks came during a recent hearing on the nomination of Peter B. Hegseth as the next Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump, Caliber.Az reports, citing the US Senate press release.

Chairman Wicker emphasized the escalating global tensions, warning that the U.S. is now experiencing the most dangerous security landscape since World War II. "We are witnessing the explosive growth and reach of China’s hard power," he stated. "We are also observing the emergence of an Axis of Aggressors," referring to the growing military cooperation among authoritarian regimes, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

The hearing underscored the urgency of addressing these threats, as terrorism continues to destabilize the Middle East, and Israel remains engaged in an ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah.

Wicker noted that the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria is further exacerbating regional instability, adding to the need for a decisive, strategic response from the Department of Defense.

Hegseth, a decorated post-9/11 combat veteran, has been touted as a transformative figure who can lead the Pentagon through this critical moment. Wicker praised Hegseth’s unconventional approach, drawing parallels between his candidacy and Trump’s own rise to the presidency. Wicker argued that the Department of Defense needs fresh leadership and a warrior ethos to counter the bureaucratic stagnation that has hindered progress in U.S. defense capabilities.

Wicker outlined the current deficiencies within the Pentagon, citing delayed programs such as the F-35, Sentinel ICBM, and Navy shipbuilding projects. These setbacks, combined with a sluggish defense industry and risk-averse culture, have left the U.S. military vulnerable to its adversaries. Wicker also criticized the Pentagon’s failure to pass an audit and its excessive bureaucracy, which has prevented rapid innovation and adaptation to emerging threats.

Hegseth echoed Wicker’s concerns, calling for a transformation in how the Department of Defense operates. He emphasized the need for reform in defence budgeting, innovation incentives, and the rebuilding of the defence industrial base. Hegseth also pledged to support Wicker’s FORGED Act, aimed at cutting red tape and enabling faster development of critical military technologies.

Throughout the hearing, the nominee sought to address concerns regarding his personal conduct, emphasizing that the majority of accusations against him were anonymous. He highlighted public testimonials from individuals who had served with him, including Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia, who praised Hegseth’s leadership qualities and character.

As the world grows increasingly unstable, the need for strong and capable civilian leadership at the Pentagon has never been more critical. If confirmed, Hegseth would step into the role of Secretary of Defense at a pivotal moment, tasked with addressing the challenges posed by a rapidly changing and dangerous global order.

By Khagan Isayev