Fact Check: "Senator Slotkin demands Hegseth to 'be a man' during heated military hearing"
What We Know
During a recent congressional hearing, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, confronted Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. In a heated exchange, she urged him to "be a man" and respond to her inquiries regarding military deployment and the authority of troops to arrest protesters. This incident occurred on June 18, 2025, as part of a discussion on the Trump administration's military actions, particularly in relation to the protests following the police killing of George Floyd. Slotkin also referenced claims made by former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper about President Trump's controversial remarks regarding the use of force against protesters (MLive, ABC News).
Analysis
The claim that Senator Slotkin told Hegseth to "be a man" is corroborated by multiple sources. The Associated Press and Michigan Live both reported on the exchange, highlighting Slotkin's insistence on accountability from Hegseth regarding military actions and the implications of deploying troops in civilian situations (MLive, ABC News).
The context of the statement is significant; Slotkin's remarks were made in a tense atmosphere where she was pressing for clarity on serious issues related to military engagement and civil rights. Her background as a former CIA analyst and her service in Iraq lend credibility to her concerns about the military's role in domestic affairs (ABC News).
The sources reporting on this incident are reputable news organizations, which typically adhere to journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that the phrasing "be a man" can be interpreted in various ways, and the use of such language in a formal setting may also reflect broader societal discussions about gender and accountability.
Conclusion
The claim that Senator Slotkin demanded Secretary Hegseth to "be a man" during a military hearing is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that this exchange occurred as described, highlighting the senator's call for accountability in a critical discussion about military actions and civil rights.
