GOP Senator Blasted for Failing to Vet Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Amid Tax Scandal

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Alexis N. Crockett
February 18, 2025
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6 minutes read

Pete Hegseth testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill on 14 January, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo: AFP)

A national security expert has slammed Republican Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) for failing to properly vet Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s financial history before confirming him to his position. The criticism comes in light of recent revelations that Hegseth is under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit for more than $33,000 in unpaid taxes.

On Monday, Hegseth announced the audit via the X social media platform, accusing the “Biden IRS” of conducting a politically motivated investigation. His statement has only intensified scrutiny over the Senate Armed Services Committee’s confirmation process, which Wicker chairs.

Wicker, a strong proponent of military aid to Ukraine, had already expressed disappointment with Hegseth following his recent comments in Brussels. The defense secretary appeared to retreat from the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders and eventual NATO membership—stances that, if abandoned, would mark significant geopolitical victories for Russia.

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Defense, is facing new challenges standing in the way of his appointment (Getty Images)

Wicker publicly condemned Hegseth’s remarks, calling them a “rookie mistake.” However, security analyst Marcy Wheeler argued that the tax controversy only worsens the perception of Wicker’s oversight.

Hey @SenatorWicker?

Now that you've admitted you sent someone wildly unqualified to Brussels (with predictably awful outcome), can you explain how @PeteHegseth got through your committee w/o disclosing his tax problems?

Vetting him was your responsibility.… pic.twitter.com/EqCu66ARpM
— emptywheel (check) (@emptywheel) February 17, 2025

“Hey @SenatorWicker? Now that you’ve admitted you sent someone wildly unqualified to Brussels (with a predictably awful outcome), can you explain how @PeteHegseth got through your committee w/o disclosing his tax problems?” Wheeler wrote on her “Empty Wheel” social media accounts. “Vetting him was your responsibility.”

Beyond the tax audit, Hegseth’s confirmation process had already raised red flags. Reports surfaced during his nomination that he faced allegations of sexual assault and problem drinking, yet he was still pushed through the Senate Armed Services Committee without substantial opposition.

Now, the IRS audit has added another layer of controversy to Hegseth’s tenure, fueling concerns about whether adequate diligence was exercised in his appointment. While his supporters dismiss the tax inquiry as politically motivated, critics argue it highlights a broader failure in accountability at the highest levels of government.

With rising tensions over Ukraine policy and ongoing scrutiny of Hegseth’s qualifications, Wicker and his committee’s vetting process are under renewed examination. Whether this leads to further investigations or calls for accountability remains to be seen.