Trump's defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth has received support from key Republican senators amid a well-documented refutation of a concerted smear campaign against him based on long-standing allegations from anonymous sources. It is being strengthened.
On Wednesday, incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) announced his support for Hegseth, reports said. washington examiner journalist.
“I think he's articulated a good vision, a strong vision for the Department of Defense. I think the Department of Defense needs some modernization and reform,” he said. “He's obviously an experienced veteran and being a veteran, he has a lot of experience in what the needs of the warfighter are and how to prepare America for potential future combat.” It will bring you.”
Similarly, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Louisiana), who heads the committee responsible for forwarding his nomination to the full Senate, also announced his support Wednesday.
Wicker told an NBC News reporter.“I see no insurmountable obstacles,” Hegseth said, insisting the nomination should not be withdrawn.
Additionally, senators who had previously expressed doubts about him changed their tune on Wednesday.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who on Tuesday called the anonymous allegations against Hegseth “alarming” and sparked speculation that he might soon be ousted, said Wednesday: stated.
I am not going to make any decisions based on anonymous sources. If you're not willing to raise your hand under oath…it's pointless.
In the past 48 hours, dozens of former colleagues, friends, and supporters who knew Hegseth personally have appeared in public to refute the anonymous allegations against him, calling them completely fabricated. He claimed it was a lie.
Additionally, evidence supporting his defense's claims has come to light. a new yorker The Hit article claimed that Hegseth was kicked out of a veterans advocacy group in 2016 for misconduct and had no job options at the time. A letter from one of the organization's directors In 2016, he refuted that claim.
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), who announced his support for other candidates for the Pentagon post on Tuesday, said Wednesday that there is “no reason not to support Mr. Hegseth at this time.”
Hegseth already has the support of many Republican senators (both men and women), but two moderate female senators known for opposing President-elect Donald Trump, Sen. Susan Collins (R-S.C.), , Minnesota) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). He plans to meet with them next week.
There will be 53 Republicans in the Senate, and assuming all Democrats vote against his confirmation, Hegseth would only need to lose three Republican votes in the Senate to be confirmed. .
Another unknown is Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). The Federalist's Sean Davis said he hopes to be a candidate for defense secretary if Hegseth fails. She has so far expressed only lukewarm support.
She posted on Wednesday after meeting with Hegseth: We had a frank and thorough discussion today as part of the confirmation process. ”
Hegseth, who publicly thanked all senators, responded, “Thank you @SenJoniErnst — for your service to our country and your commitment to this important process.”
In addition to the smear campaign, there were also rumors on Tuesday that President Trump was considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
But Hegseth told reporters Wednesday that he spoke directly to President Trump that morning and that Trump told him to keep fighting and has always supported him.
Hegseth also appeared on The Megyn Kelly Show on Wednesday, where she said she spoke to President Trump and that Trump told her he supported her.
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