Rumors swirled recently that Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, lacked sufficient Senate support for confirmation.
His detractors, led by Democrats and the media, though joined by a handful of Republicans, claim to oppose Hegseth over unproven allegations against him, as well as his shaky personal life, including unfaithfulness in multiple of his marriages and his alleged excessive drinking after he returned from tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.
In a sit-down with Megyn Kelly, Hegseth promised he would not “touch a drop of alcohol as secretary of defense.” Kelly also pointed out that all accusations against Hegseth have been made anonymously, while numerous former colleagues have publicly defended his character.
Conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk vowed to back primary challenges against any Republican who opposes Trump’s cabinet nominees, including Hegseth. Elon Musk reiterated that promise, asserting, “Those who oppose reform will lose their primary/election. Period.”
After the media pushback began against Hegseth, names such as Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and national security expert Elbridge Colby were floated as possible replacements. However, Colby just came out in support of Hegseth’s nomination, possibly signaling increased support for the Fox News host behind the scenes.
Additionally, over 100 Navy SEAL veterans and warfighters are reportedly planning to march in Washington on the first day of his confirmation hearing to support Hegseth.
While Hegseth’s support in the Senate is still uncertain, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) was reportedly hesitant to back him. Now, she just announced that she had a “very good” meeting with Hegseth, signaling her possible support. The momentum seems to be shifting in his favor, which could bode well for other Trump cabinet nominees facing challenges in the Senate.
