1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I urge you to oppose the nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Hegseth lacks substantial military leadership experience and has advocated for rolling back inclusive policies that have strengthened our armed forces. His controversial views promoting masculinity over combat effectiveness, defending alleged war criminals, and dismissing the Geneva Conventions are disqualifying. Hegseth's inflammatory rhetoric denigrating diversity efforts and transgender service members is divisive and unbecoming of a defense secretary. Further, his desire to "clean house" at the Pentagon raises concerns about his ability to work constructively with senior military leadership. The defense secretary must uphold American values, not undermine them. As a constituent, I implore you to carefully scrutinize Hegseth's record and reject this troubling nomination in the interests of preserving military readiness and good order.