Hegseth faces scrutiny over Southeast Asia knowledge during Senate hearing

inquirer.net February 4, 2025, 11:00 PM UTC

Pete Hegseth, appointed as Secretary of Defense by Trump, struggled to answer questions about Southeast Asia and ASEAN during a Senate hearing. His lack of knowledge raises concerns about his qualifications and understanding of the region's importance. Marco Rubio is set to become Secretary of State, bringing some foreign policy experience. However, his past criticism of Trump may complicate his role in the administration, especially if he attempts an independent approach. Trump's second term may strain U.S.-Indonesia relations, as he prioritizes tariffs and personal business interests over multilateral agreements. The current Indonesian leadership faces challenges in navigating these dynamics while maintaining democratic values.


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