Pentagon will begin review of 'effectiveness' of women in ground combat positions

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2. Hegseth Under Fire for Saying 'Women Don't Belong in Combat - Liberal Lens 8/4/2025

Senator Elizabeth Warren didn’t hold back during Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing. In a powerful and tense exchange, Warren confronted Hegseth with a 12-year trail of on-the-record comments—many of them recent—where he repeatedly claimed that women don’t belong in combat roles. From Fox News to his own book and podcast appearances, Hegseth consistently argued that allowing women in combat would “erode standards.” But just 32 days after declaring “women absolutely should not be permitted to serve in combat,” Hegseth suddenly reversed his position following his nomination by Donald Trump.

Warren pressed for answers: What happened in those 32 days? Was it a true change of heart—or a political maneuver? And why, if he so strongly believed in banning generals from entering the defense industry post-service, was he unwilling to make the same commitment for himself?

This hearing raises critical questions about integrity, accountability, and whether someone who’s dismissed the service of women for over a decade is fit to lead the entire U.S. military. Viewers will see the full exchange and hear commentary that breaks down what’s really at stake—not just for women in uniform, but for the future of military leadership.