President-elect Trump's choice to head the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, was confirmed by the Republican Senate despite facing allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement. It appears to be on track to gain sufficient support. he denied it.
One Republican senator told Fox News Digital that he was not aware of any Republican senators who were “adamantly opposed” to Hegseth's confirmation.
They added that Mr Hegseth “certainly” does not appear to be in a position to be forced to withdraw.
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On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Pete Hegseth heads to Russellville for a meeting with Sen. Ted Budd (RN.C.). (Tom Williams/Getty Images)
This is a far cry from President Trump's previous choice for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who faced several decisive “no” votes from senators.
Gaetz withdrew from the process just days after being selected, in response to a significant lack of support from the most outspoken behind closed doors.
Republicans will have a 53-47 majority in the next Senate, but assuming no Democrats support Trump, there is only room for Trump to lose a few Republican votes.
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Gates recused himself from the approval process. (Reuters)
However, Hegseth does not appear to be losing any Republicans in the Senate at this time, as reported by Republican Senators, including Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Maine). This includes moderate politicians such as the Republican Party of Alaska.
Hegseth met with both sides this week on Capitol Hill. “We had a substantive discussion that lasted over an hour,” Collins said.
“We covered a wide range of topics, from defense acquisition reform to the role of women in the military, to sexual assault in the military. We covered Ukraine, NATO, a wide range of issues. Of course, I'm the F.B.I. We always wait for a background check to be done, and in Mr. Hegseth's case, which is currently underway, we will wait for a committee hearing before reaching a final decision.”
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Collins met with Hegseth for an extended period of time. (Mark Makela)
Murkowski declined to discuss her meeting with former Fox News host Hegseth when asked by reporters.
President Trump's pick for secretary of defense also met twice with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). After meeting for the first time earlier this month, Ernst admitted on Fox News that she still wasn't impressed with Hegseth. However, after their second meeting this week, she issued a statement saying, “I will support Pete throughout this process and look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” said.
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Ernst and Hegseth met twice. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Ernst is the first female military veteran elected to the Senate and also serves on the Armed Services Committee. Additionally, she is a survivor of sexual assault herself, an accusation Hegseth denies.
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The shift in momentum that appears to favor Hegseth's confirmation was articulated to reporters by Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). “You can feel the difference between this week and last week,” he said.
“Kash [Patel] No problem. tulsi [Gabbard] There will be no problem. People will ask what should be done, and it will be confirmed,” he added, referring to other somewhat controversial Trump nominees.
