Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Defense, met with Republican senators on Capitol Hill, taking a few questions from reporters as he went. The meetings followed earlier conversations with GOP senators, including Senator-elect Jim Banks.
Hegseth faced criticism earlier, with allegations of fiscal mismanagement, alcoholism, and sexual misconduct being made against him. Despite this, he has continued to receive support from some Republicans. Senator Rick Scott of Florida, for example, praised Hegseth, saying that he will walk into the Department of Defense with the mentality that he will take care of the warfighters.
Banks also expressed support, stating that Hegseth won’t back down from the media or the Pentagon bureaucracy, and that he will help President Trump make America strong again. When questioned about his meeting with Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, Hegseth called it a productive and candid conversation, but declined to comment further on whether they discussed the allegations made against him.
Despite the allegations, Hegseth is still receiving meetings and discussing his qualifications for the role. He believes that he welcomes the knowledge and advice of the senators on Capitol Hill, saying it is a wonderful process to go through. The Senate must still confirm his appointment before he can take the position.
