President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary said Tuesday that he will foster a culture of soldiering at the U.S. Department of Defense. Mr. P. Haggett was responding to questions from members of the Armed Services Committee, which requires Senate confirmation to confirm his appointment.
He has been accused of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and a tendency to ridicule women and minorities, but he has focused on his experiences in the National Guard, without addressing those issues. He began the hearing by saying it was time to hand over the reins to someone who still has dust on his boots. He responded to the allegations by calling them “disparaging and disrespectful.”
Mr. Haggett’s selection was an unusual choice, with the committee’s Republican chairman, The top Democrat said the allegations against Mr. Haggett, 44, were “appalling.” Mr. Haggett is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.
