Trump's Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth Faces Criticism Over ASEAN Gaffe

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Hegseth failed to name ASEAN member nations, raising questions about his qualifications for the role.

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, was unable to name any of the 10 ASEAN member nations during his Senate confirmation hearing.
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized Hegseth for his lack of knowledge, stating he was unprepared for international negotiations required of the role.
The ASEAN bloc, comprising nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, is a key economic and geopolitical region with strategic importance to U.S. interests in countering China's influence.
Hegseth's response, which incorrectly cited South Korea, Japan, and Australia as ASEAN members, drew widespread criticism online and from lawmakers, with the exchange going viral on social media.
In addition to the ASEAN gaffe, Hegseth faced scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking, and controversial past statements about women in combat roles.