WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his support for Pentagon nominee Pete Hegseth, citing his “charisma” and calling him “a WINNER” with a “tremendous track record” despite allegations of misconduct.
Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran, has vowed to continue fighting for the job to lead the Department of Defense and has spent the week meeting with U.S. senators. Trump wrote on his social media platform that Hegseth’s support is “strong and deep” and that he will be a “fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense” who leads with “charisma and skill.”
During an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” program, Trump acknowledged that “people were a little bit concerned” about Hegseth’s nomination but expressed confidence that it would be confirmed by the Senate. He said Hegseth is a “young guy with a tremendous track record” who loves the military and that people are starting to see it.
However, Trump’s fellow Republicans will take control of the Senate next month and if Democrats remain united against Hegseth, he cannot afford to lose support from more than three Republicans. Trump has weighed alternative Republican nominees, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Joni Ernst and Representative Mike Waltz.
Ernst, a senior Armed Services Committee member, posted on Friday that she planned to meet Hegseth next week and said that at a minimum, he deserves the opportunity to lay out his vision for warfighters at a fair hearing. Hegseth has been criticized for lacking the management experience needed to lead 1.3 million active-duty service members and the nearly 1 million civilians who work for the nation’s military.
A California police report showed a woman filed a sexual assault complaint in 2017, but Hegseth was never charged and has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer told CNN that they may take legal action against the woman if Hegseth is not confirmed. Hegseth has also faced allegations that he has abused alcohol, but he has denied having a drinking problem.
Trump said he has spoken to people who know Hegseth well and they say he does not have a drinking problem. Hegseth has vowed not to drink alcohol if confirmed as defense secretary.