Trump's Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth Stumbles Over ASEAN Countries

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, faced a rocky start during his Senate confirmation hearing after struggling to demonstrate knowledge about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The four-hour session saw Hegseth unable to identify ASEAN countries or their significance, raising concerns about his preparedness for the role.

ASEAN Misstep

Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, born in Bangkok to a Thai mother and American father, questioned Hegseth on ASEAN, emphasizing its strategic importance. She asked him to name a member nation and explain its significance, as well as how many countries are part of the bloc.

Hegseth admitted, "I could not tell you the exact number of nations in that, but I know we have allies in South Korea, in Japan, and in AUKUS, in Australia where we are trying to work on submarines with them."

Senator Duckworth quickly pointed out his error, noting, "None of those countries are in ASEAN. I suggest you do a little homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations."

ASEAN includes 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea are observer states.

Social Media Reactions

Hegseth's performance sparked sharp reactions on social media. Critics highlighted his inability to answer basic questions, with one user stating, "These are fundamental questions anyone in the Department of Defense should know." Another called the situation "simultaneously hilarious and terrifying."

Supporters defended Hegseth, arguing that detailed knowledge of ASEAN might not be essential for a defense role. Some downplayed the criticism, focusing instead on his military background.

Additional Allegations

The hearing also addressed serious accusations against Hegseth, including sexual assault, infidelity, and drinking in the workplace. Despite these concerns and his lack of diplomatic or administrative experience, Hegseth is poised to lead the Pentagon, overseeing a workforce of three million and managing an $849 billion budget if confirmed.

The confirmation process has underscored significant questions about Hegseth's readiness for one of the most critical roles in U.S. national security.