Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen accused Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth of being an “antisemite” during a contentious budget hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday. The clash occurred as Hegseth, a former Fox News host, faced questions about his use of the term “Pharisees” to describe journalists and his broader approach to military leadership.
The ‘Pharisees’ Comment
The exchange began when Hegseth told a senator that he had referred to Pentagon press corps members as “Pharisees,” a term historically used to describe a Jewish sect but sometimes employed as a slur implying hypocrisy or legalism. He explained, “I looked out at our press corps at the Pentagon and called them the Pharisees in the press, because they look for every problem.”
Senator Rosen, who is Jewish, took issue with the remark. “You compare journalists, you compare us, you compare so many to Pharisees. It’s a problematic and historically weaponized term that cast Jewish communities as hypocritical or morally corrupt,” she said, accusing Hegseth of “doubling down” on its use.
Rosen’s Challenge
Rosen pressed Hegseth: “Words matter. What you choose to say, how we choose to say it. How do you justify using this language as Secretary of Defense? It’s a hurtful term. Why do you continue to use it?” She also questioned how he ensured similar rhetoric was not used by those under his command.
Hegseth defended his choice, stating, “Senator, I feel like it’s a pretty accurate term for folks who don’t see the plank in their own eye and always want to see what’s wrong with an operation, as opposed to the historic success of preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. So I stand by it.”
Accusation of Antisemitism
Rosen responded sharply, telling Hegseth that his refusal to acknowledge the term’s history was indefensible. “I expect anyone who is in leadership in our country to be respectful and use respectful terms and not be an antisemite,” she declared. As her question time ended, committee chair Roger Wicker moved to the next senator, and Hegseth did not attempt to refute Rosen’s accusation.
The Independent reached out to the Pentagon for comment on the senator’s charge of antisemitism.
Broader Criticisms
Rosen was not alone in criticizing Hegseth. Senator Jack Reed, the committee’s ranking Democrat, questioned Hegseth’s embrace of Christian themes in official Pentagon statements, suggesting it alienated service members of other faiths. “Stressing the need for more Christianity in the military forces doesn’t seem like a neutral position on which you tolerate and accept all religions,” Reed said.
Hegseth dismissed the criticism, replying, “I don’t know what you’re insinuating, Senator, but I am not ashamed of my faith in Jesus Christ. And if you want to shame me for it, go ahead. I’ve heard the likes of things that people like you suggest, to try to smear my character, and I won’t give in to it.”
Firings and Diversity
Hegseth also faced questions about his dismissals of top generals and senior officials, over half of whom were women or minorities. He declined to comment on individual cases but tacitly admitted the effort aimed to reverse what the Trump administration viewed as unwarranted promotions during the Biden era.
The hearing, which at times escalated into near shouting matches, highlighted deep partisan divisions over Hegseth’s leadership and rhetoric.
