President-elect Donald Trump on Friday doubled down on his support for Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, as the media campaign against the former Fox News host appears to be losing steam.
Hegseth, who vowed Thursday to “keep fighting” for future office “for as long as Donald Trump wants,” faces a siege of accusations of drinking and sexual misconduct. President Trump did not acknowledge the allegations and called the cabinet picks “winners” in a supportive post on Truth Social.
“Pete Hegseth is in great spirits. His support is strong and deep, much stronger than the fake news would have you believe. He is a great Princeton/Harvard educated, military-minded He was a student. He would be a great, energetic Secretary of Defense. (as per original)someone who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a winner and there is nothing he can do to change that!!!” Trump I wrote.
The president-elect was honored Thursday night. fox news In past years, he has been named “Patriot of the Year” at the network’s annual Patriot Awards, hosted by Hegseth.
Hegseth was the subject of a 2017 investigation for sexually assaulting a woman in California. However, no charges have been filed in the incident, which was reported in late November. Hegseth vehemently denied the accusations.
The candidate’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, appeared on Fox News on Wednesday and addressed the New York Times. report About an email accusing her son of allegedly abusing women “for his own power and ego.” She accused the publication of threatening her when reached for comment. (Related article: Elizabeth Warren faces backlash from conservatives after criticizing Trump’s defense secretary nomination)
Pete Hegseth’s mother appeared on Fox News and accused the New York Times of blackmailing her before releasing the emails.
“I want to say this about the media… They’re blackmailing you. That’s the first thing they do.”
“I think that’s a despicable attitude towards anyone.” pic.twitter.com/xtL69RC3Om
— Julianna Freeman (@JuliannaFrieman) December 4, 2024
On Tuesday’s NBC News, report Ten anonymous former Fox News colleagues said Hegseth smelled of alcohol before going live on air. Will Caine, co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” thread Among the dozens of Fox News employees who publicly defended Hegseth.
Hegseth told SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly on Wednesday that he believes he is the target of a “smear” campaign comparable to that of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation process.
Pete Hegseth told Megyn Kelly that President Trump needed to be “tough as fuck” and that he was “the right man for this moment.”
“Hey Pete, I got you back, it’s a fight, they’re chasing you, go after them.” pic.twitter.com/baXgkCXnQH
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) December 4, 2024
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance on Friday reposted Trump’s statement of support, reiterating that Team Trump has Hegseth’s support.
Led by President Trump, we are fighting for Pete Hegseth. And we do it because Pete Hegseth fights for our troops.
For too long, the Department of Defense has been led by those who lost the war. Pete Hegseth is a man who fought in those wars.
We have his back. pic.twitter.com/6n57SSQQ5X
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 6, 2024
“Led by President Trump, we are fighting for Pete Hegseth. And we are doing it because Pete Hegseth fights for our troops,” Vance wrote. Ta. “For too long, the Department of Defense has been led by people who lost wars. Pete Hegseth is a man who fought in those wars.”
