Trump Stands by Pentagon Nominee Pete Hegseth Despite Growing Doubts
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (Reuters) – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Pete Hegseth, his nominee for Secretary of Defense, even as the nomination faces challenges due to allegations of misconduct. Trump praised Hegseth, a former Fox News host, for his “charisma” and described him as a “WINNER” with a “tremendous track record.”
Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran, has been actively campaigning for the position, meeting with U.S. senators this week. Some key lawmakers, however, have expressed hesitation about supporting his nomination.
“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep,” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “He will be a fantastic, high-energy Secretary of Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and nothing can change that!!!”
In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump acknowledged concerns surrounding Hegseth’s nomination but expressed confidence that it would ultimately be confirmed by the Senate. “He’s a young guy with a tremendous track record. Actually went to Princeton and Harvard. He was a good student at both. But he loves the military, and I think people are starting to see it,” Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker in an excerpt of the interview, which will air in full on Sunday.
Trump also mentioned receiving calls from many senators praising Hegseth, although he admitted that he had not received formal assurances regarding his confirmation.
With Republicans set to control the Senate next month ahead of Trump’s January 20 inauguration, Hegseth can only afford to lose support from three Republican senators if Democrats oppose his nomination.
Trump has considered alternative Republican candidates for the Defense Secretary position, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Joni Ernst, and Representative Mike Waltz, according to sources.
Ernst, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on Thursday that she was not yet ready to support Hegseth. However, she planned to meet with him next week and emphasized that he should be given the opportunity to present his vision for the military at a fair hearing. She expressed this view on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Hegseth, who has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, has earned two Bronze Stars. However, critics argue that he lacks the managerial experience needed to lead the 1.3 million active-duty service members and nearly 1 million civilian employees in the U.S. military.
In 2017, a California police report showed that a woman filed a sexual assault complaint against Hegseth. While Hegseth was never charged and denies the allegations, his lawyer has indicated they may pursue legal action against the accuser if Hegseth is not confirmed. Additionally, Hegseth has faced allegations of alcohol abuse. He has denied these claims, stating during a Sirius XM interview that he has “never had a drinking problem,” but promised to refrain from alcohol if confirmed as Defense Secretary.
When asked about these concerns during the NBC interview, Trump, who does not drink, expressed confidence, saying others had assured him that Hegseth does not have a drinking problem.
Ernst, a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, emphasized the need for a thorough vetting process. She noted that senators wanted to ensure any allegations against Hegseth had been fully addressed. Other Republicans have given cautious support to the nominee.
Hegseth is not the only Trump nominee to face challenges—former Representative Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for U.S. Attorney General, and Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister ended his bid for head of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
