WASHINGTON (WPRI) — Rhode Island's senior senator took center stage Tuesday during the confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump's controversial pick for U.S. defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. Sen. Jack Reed, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, started off by thanking Hegseth for his service. But Reed's tone quickly shifted as he raised concerns about Hegseth's past and his ability to lead the Department of Defense. "I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job," Reed said to Hegseth. Reed then listed a series of allegations against Hegseth, which he called "extremely alarming." "We must acknowledge the concerning public reports against you," Reed said. "A variety of sources — including your own writings — implicate you with disregarding laws of war, financial mismanagement, racist and sexist remarks about men and women in uniform, alcohol abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other troubling issues." Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) "The totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the Secretary of Defense," he added. MORE: Hegseth vows ‘warrior culture’ if confirmed as Trump’s defense secretary Hegseth, 44, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran, said if he's confirmed, he'll work with Trump to "restore the warrior ethos" and reestablish trust in the military. He said that while his background may differ from past defense secretaries, he believes that someone with combat experience is what the military needs right now. "It's time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm. A change agent," he said. "Someone with no vested interest in certain companies or specific programs or approved narratives. My only special interest is the war-fighter." WATCH: Exchange between Reed, Hegseth (Story continues below) Hegseth has previously denied the sexual misconduct allegations and vowed to stop drinking if he's confirmed. However, when asked about them directly during the hearing, he dismissed the questions as a "smear campaign." "I’m not a perfect person but redemption is real," Hegseth added. Hegseth also faced questions about his opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the military. He put forth that those modern policies "divide" troops and don't prioritize "meritocracy." Reed argued that his statements were a "political view," saying he believed Hegseth intended to "politicize the military in favor of your particular position" and would harm "the professionalism of the United States military." RELATED: Hegseth grilled over comments on women serving in combat During the hearing, Reed said he's voted to confirm nine previous defense secretaries, including in Trump's first term, but he will not support Hegseth. The Senate Armed Services Committee must vote on whether to recommend Hegseth for a full Senate vote. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW