Trump Maintains Support for Hegseth
President-elect Trump publicly expressed his support for defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth on Friday, saying he believes Hegseth is doing well and that people are starting to see his qualifications. Hegseth has been embroiled in controversy after allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking surfaced.
Despite the allegations, Trump reiterated his confidence in Hegseth, calling him “a very smart guy” who is “basically a military guy.” Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing and has been meeting with Republican senators to rally support.
Trump also told Fox News that he didn’t have assurances from senators that Hegseth’s nomination would be confirmed, but he believes he will get it through. Hegseth has been working to build support among lawmakers, and Trump said that while he didn’t have details on the outcome of his meetings with senators, “I’ve had a lot of senators calling me up saying he’s fantastic.”
On Truth Social, Trump wrote that Hegseth is “doing very well” and that he believes Hegseth will be a “fantastic” defense secretary. Trump also denied allegations of Hegseth’s excessive drinking, saying that people he has spoken to say he does not have a drinking problem.
Hegseth himself wrote on X that he had a “substantive conversation” with Sen. Joni Ernst, who has not committed to voting for Hegseth. Ernst said their meeting was “constructive” and that the two plan to meet again next week.
Vice President-elect JD Vance also came out in support of Hegseth, saying that the incoming administration is committed to Hegseth and will not allow him to face a “sham hearing” before the Senate Armed Services Committee.