Despite some doubts about his chances, Pete Hegseth said Thursday he plans to remain President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense.
Hegseth told reporters he had no plans to withdraw his nomination. According to Go to Politico. He has defended himself against numerous accusations. Hegseth was investigated in 2017 for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman, but no charges were filed.
“I’m going to continue to be here in this fight as long as Donald Trump wants me to be in this fight,” Hegseth told reporters.
Throughout the week, Hegseth spoke with senators to secure his spot as President Trump’s nominee. He met skeptical but supportive senators. Hegseth’s lawyer addressed the allegations of misconduct, and his mother publicly defended him on Fox News. But Sen. Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa, said she had questions about his overall suitability.
.@meginkelly to @Pete Hegseth: “Do you think it’s Kavanaugh-ized now?” pic.twitter.com/ATaF0TC2y4
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 4, 2024
Ernst said after meeting with Hegseth on Wednesday. According to Politico, she chose not to see him again. Instead, Hegseth convened with other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, primarily Republican senators. Among them are Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Including Indiana’s incoming U.S. Sen. Jim Banks. There is a tendency to favor President Trump’s cabinet choices.
After the meeting, Lowndes said Hegseth still has important work to do to win Senate confirmation. “There is certainly a path to success for him to accept this position in the Senate, but he still has a lot of work to do,” Lowndes said. (Related: 7 Republican senators most likely to stand between Trump and his dream cabinet)
Hegseth denies all allegations and told reporters he answers only to Trump, God, his family and the Senate.
“We had a great conversation about who we are and what we believe in,” Hegseth said. reported By Fox News. “And, frankly, I am who I am today because of my faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and my wife, Jenny, who is here. He’s a different person.”
President Trump announced Hegseth’s selection on Truth Social.
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