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President-elect Donald Trump has expressed unwavering support for his nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, despite resistance from some Republican senators citing various allegations against the candidate.
On Truth Social, Trump praised Hegseth as “doing very well” and enjoying “strong and deep” support. Highlighting Hegseth’s academic credentials from Princeton and Harvard, along with his military background, Trump described him as a “fantastic, high-energy” leader who would bring “charisma and skill” to the Pentagon. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump emphasized.
Vice President-elect JD Vance of Ohio echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating on X that Hegseth would champion the military’s needs. “For too long, the Pentagon has been led by people who lose wars. Pete Hegseth is a man who fought in those wars,” Vance said.
Despite this support, at least a few GOP senators remain hesitant. For instance, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a sexual assault survivor and the first female combat veteran in the Senate, has refrained from fully endorsing Hegseth, describing their meeting as “frank and thorough.”
Hegseth has faced allegations related to a 2017 sexual assault, excessive drinking, infidelity, and financial mismanagement. During an interview with conservative host Megyn Kelly earlier this week, Hegseth addressed the claims, denying the assault and insisting the encounter was consensual. While he settled with the accuser last year, Hegseth explained the decision stemmed from his public profile. He also rejected claims of excessive drinking, promising to abstain from alcohol entirely if confirmed.
While some names, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Ernst, were reportedly floated as potential replacements, Trump’s recent phone call with Hegseth reinforced his commitment to the nomination. According to Hegseth, Trump encouraged him to “keep going, keep fighting” and assured him of full support moving forward.
The confirmation battle appears set to intensify as Hegseth seeks to secure the backing of a divided Senate.
