Alyssa Farrar Griffin, a former White House official under then-President Trump, said Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from the nomination for attorney general invites further criticism of Pete Hegseth's appointment to lead the Pentagon. He said it would be just that.
Farrah Griffin appeared on CNN's “The Lead with Jake Tapper” on Thursday and said, “Now that Matt Gaetz is out of the race, everyone in the Senate is focused on this gentleman. I think I'm guessing,” he said.
She said President Trump has “genuine love” for the former Fox News host, but added that he is “completely unqualified” for the role.
“This is a choice he made for himself, but other than the sexual allegations, he is completely unsuited for the role. And Republican senators, especially the Senate Armed Services Director on the Intel Committee, have no right to hold a national security post.” “We take this very seriously,” she continued.
In this role, Hegseth will manage military forces in 160 countries, oversee a $1 trillion budget, and help the president determine when to deploy U.S. military assets.
Farrah Griffin said, “The question of Mr. Gates' qualifications to be Secretary of Defense is going to be really central. Mr. Gates seems to have stepped out of line now, and that makes confirmation a real challenge.'' It's going to be a battle.”
While some are optimistic about Hegseth's nomination after details of the sexual assault allegations against him were revealed in a police report, other Republican leaders have expressed optimism about Hegseth's nomination. I have doubts about my ability to act ethically.
“This is a pretty big problem given that we have a problem with sexual assault within the military. Many of us, and certainly our champions, [Sens.] Kirsten Gillibrand [D-N.Y.] and Joni Ernst [R-Iowa]But there was no chain of command in place, and I've been working with them and supporting legislation to address that,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (RN.D.). said in a comment It was aired on CNN.
“I don't want to prejudge them, but this is certainly a pretty concerning accusation.”
Instead, Farrah Griffin suggested that President-elect Trump select a woman to head the department.
“Here is an elegant offer for Donald Trump to choose his beloved…a woman who served in combat, a historic choice to lead the Department of Defense,” she said.
Democrats said Hegseth's appointment was “doomed” from the beginning.
“I think this nomination is doomed. It should never have been made. It was never vetted,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told reporters at the Capitol.
