Hegseth Fights to Save Defense Secretary Nomination Amidst Mounting Scrutiny
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, launched a vigorous defense of his candidacy Wednesday, facing growing questions about his past conduct and the viability of his Senate confirmation, The Associated Press reports.
While Hegseth maintains Trump’s unwavering support, the president-elect’s team is reportedly exploring alternative candidates as concerns mount.
Hegseth spent the day engaging in damage control. He met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, participated in a radio interview with Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM, and published an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal vehemently denying allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking. He insisted he was “not backing down one bit” and planned to continue his lobbying efforts.
However, sources familiar with the transition team’s deliberations revealed that the president-elect is actively considering alternative candidates for the critical Defense Department post. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a 2024 presidential primary rival to Trump, is reportedly among those being discussed. Another potential replacement is Congressman Michael Waltz, Trump’s nominee for National Security Advisor, a retired Army National Guard officer with combat experience.
The concerns surrounding Hegseth stem from recently surfaced allegations, including a settlement payment made to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. Hegseth categorically denied the assault, characterizing the payment as a preemptive measure to avoid a potentially damaging lawsuit.
He also acknowledged past infidelity, stating that it’s a “fair characterization” to call him a serial cheater. Furthermore, a whistleblower report cited by The New Yorker alleges multiple instances of workplace intoxication, inappropriate behavior towards female staff, and financial mismanagement during Hegseth’s tenure at Concerned Veterans for America. Hegseth addressed these accusations in his op-ed, attributing his departure from the organization to a difference of opinion and explaining financial missteps during a 2008 campaign.
Hegseth’s efforts to secure support yielded mixed results. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who previously voiced concerns about Hegseth’s drinking, expressed a more positive outlook following their meeting, emphasizing the importance of a readily available Secretary of Defense. However, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a veteran and sexual assault survivor, offered only a cautious assessment after her meeting, stating she appreciated his military service but stopped short of an endorsement. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) previously expressed concern over the allegations, highlighting the importance of ensuring a respectful environment for women in the military.
Adding to the complexity, Hegseth’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, appeared on Fox News to defend her son and address allegations of mistreatment of women, citing an email she sent him in 2018 expressing her concerns.
Hegseth’s interview with Megyn Kelly included his assertion that Trump wants a “warfighter” who will eliminate “woke crap” from the Department of Defense. He flatly denied having a drinking problem and pledged complete abstinence from alcohol as Secretary of Defense.
