Trump Declares Strong and Deep Support for Pete Hegseth Amid Senate Battle
“Pete Hegseth is performing exceptionally well. His support is both strong and deep,” Trump remarked in a statement on Friday.
On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his backing for Pete Hegseth, who he has selected as secretary of defense, despite ongoing allegations and reports concerning the Fox News host.
This week, a number of Republican senators suggested that Hegseth’s nomination for leading the Pentagon might be in jeopardy, following reports from anonymous sources regarding his tenure at Fox News and a 2017 police report in which a woman accused him of assault. No charges were filed, and Hegseth has categorically denied these claims.
This past week, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), regarded as a hawk in foreign policy and defense, expressed concern over the reports emerging about Hegseth. However, later in the week, Graham clarified to reporters that he does not place much weight on anonymously sourced information.
“I won’t base any decisions on anonymous sources. If someone isn’t willing to step forward and make an accusation, it simply doesn’t count,” he stated regarding the claims against Hegseth and other Trump appointees. “I’ve heard all sorts of rumors about these individuals. None of them matter, no speculation included.”
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Hegseth has been meeting with various senators this week in an effort to consolidate support for his nomination amidst the recent controversies. Several of his colleagues at Fox News, including co-hosts from “Fox and Friends,” have come to his defense, while his mother has spoken to numerous media outlets in support of him.
“As long as Donald Trump wants me in this endeavor, I will be right here fighting,” Hegseth stated to reporters on Thursday, emphasizing that this process will not “be determined in the media.”
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who had previously raised concerns regarding Hegseth, expressed optimism after meeting with him on Wednesday evening.
“I see no reason at this point not to be supportive,” Cramer declared.
He mentioned to Hegseth, “It’s crucial that we have a clear-minded secretary of defense ready to respond if the alarm goes off or the phone rings in the middle of the night.”
Hegseth assured Cramer that he would be available “at three in the morning, three in the afternoon, or any hour in between.”
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who participated with Hegseth in a congressional gathering with Republicans, also defended the Fox News host.
“We all, at least everyone here, have a time to mature. We’re nominating Pete for who he is today, not what he did five or seven years ago,” he remarked.
Additionally, two of Trump’s other Cabinet nominees have withdrawn under close scrutiny: former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), his initial choice for attorney general; and Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff who was Trump’s original candidate for leading the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Trump later revealed that he had requested Chronister’s resignation. The sheriff stepped down following renewed attention to reports and his social media activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
