National Political Correspondent Maggie Haberman said Friday that President-elect Trump is nominating Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon after support for his replacement for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) fell. He suggested that there is a high possibility of doubling the amount.
“I still think it's true that he's tired and tired of all the negative talk,” Haberman said in an interview on CNN's “AC360.”
“A few things have changed. One is…I couldn't find anyone in President Trump's orbit who liked this idea of choosing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as secretary of defense. , or even outside of it,” she added.
Hegseth, an Army veteran and former Fox News host, has faced much criticism in recent weeks over allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Trump's team has begun considering potential replacements as he faces a tough battle for confirmation in the Senate.
Mr. DeSantis, Mr. Trump's official Republican primary rival and has emerged as the front-runner, is “seriously considering” the position, a person familiar with the matter told The Hill.
But in recent days, President Trump has voiced public support for Hegseth, and his candidate has enthusiastically voiced his support in meetings with various Senate Republicans. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and other conservative influencers also appeared to be in a good position behind the scenes, gaining veteran support and helping him win the nomination.
“And, you know, it wasn't like, 'We're going to fire Hegseth and find a bunch of other people.' It was either Hegseth or DeSantis at that point,” CNN analyst Haberman said. he told guest host John Berman. some of these stories. ”
She added that she is still not allowed to appear on TV after President Trump announced his cabinet picks, leaving her with a “hand tied behind her back.”
“In Hegseth's case, he was… basically dead or dying from 1,000 cuts,” said a New York Times reporter. “There was just one negative headline after another alleging widespread problematic behavior.”
Hegseth and his mother, Penelope, who was at the center of earlier criticism of the email, were later interviewed by conservative media host Megyn Kelly. Haberman suggested that the tide was starting to turn in the candidate's favor after the then- and next-president endorsed him.
“And, John, you saw this movement most prominently, this conservative MAGA movement really, really galvanized online and in digital advertising, specifically targeting Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and targeting her. It’s about trying to get people to buy in,” she added.
Asked if she believed Trump's trajectory puts Hegseth on the path to confirmation, she seemed unconvinced.
“I don't think there's a valid Plan B. There's always this sense that something could happen. There could be more,” she told Berman. “Hegseth himself is said to be aware that other stories may exist.”
“He and people in President Trump's world have said they don't expect there to be any revelations that would affect the hearings. Who knows, but they're saying they're doing better today than they were a week ago. I feel much better about this,” Haberman added.
