Donald Trump’s Choice of Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary in Jeopardy
The nomination of Pete Hegseth to be the next Secretary of Defense is in jeopardy due to questions from key GOP senators over whether he is fit for the job.
Hegseth has been accused of misconduct, including a sexual assault allegation from 2017. He has denied any wrongdoing, but the allegations are causing concern among Republicans and Democrats alike.
Key GOP senators, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, have expressed doubts about Hegseth’s ability to overcome the allegations and get confirmed. Graham said that some of the allegations will be “difficult” for Hegseth to address.
Hegseth will need to limit defections to three GOP senators, assuming all Democrats vote against him, to get confirmed. However, there are already more than three senators who are uncertain if they will back him.
The Trump administration is scrambling to avoid another Cabinet pick from collapsing amidst a Republican revolt. Alternates for Defense Secretary have begun to emerge, including Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran and Republican, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing and is expected to meet with Ernst on Wednesday, who will be a key influence in his confirmation. However, even if Hegseth can overcome the allegations, his nomination may still face opposition from some Republicans, including Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell.