Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host, is currently in a fierce battle to salvage his nomination for Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump, amidst escalating concerns regarding his past conduct and his capacity to secure Senate confirmation. As Hegseth vigorously defended himself against a barrage of allegations, the Trump administration has reportedly begun exploring alternative candidates, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emerging as a prominent possibility.
Hegseth engaged in a series of strategic moves on Wednesday to bolster his position. He held meetings with key legislators on Capitol Hill, participated in a radio interview to address the swirling controversies, and published an opinion piece vehemently denying accusations of sexual assault and excessive alcohol consumption. “I am not backing down one bit,” Hegseth asserted, conveying confidence in Trump’s continued support and indicating his intention to return for further meetings with lawmakers on Thursday. Despite Hegseth’s public show of resolve, sources within the Trump transition team revealed that they are actively considering alternatives, with Ron DeSantis, the Florida Governor, specifically under consideration.
While the controversy surrounding Hegseth intensified, President-elect Trump maintained public silence on the matter. Trump’s social media activity on Wednesday was focused on other cabinet nominees and media coverage, leaving Hegseth’s fate hanging in the balance.
In this image, land acquired by the Fufeng Group in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is shown, illustrating potential concerns over foreign land purchases in the US.
In an exchange with reporters, Hegseth reiterated his willingness to meet with President-elect Trump at any time, signaling his eagerness to directly address any concerns at the highest level.
According to an individual familiar with the Trump team’s internal discussions, there was a degree of satisfaction with Hegseth’s efforts on Wednesday, particularly his meetings with lawmakers. For the time being, the Trump administration is publicly standing by Hegseth, even as they discreetly evaluate backup options, underscoring the precarious nature of Hegseth’s nomination.
North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer, who had previously voiced apprehension regarding reports of Hegseth’s drinking habits, offered a more optimistic assessment after meeting with Hegseth on Wednesday evening. “I see no reason at this point not to be supportive,” Cramer stated, indicating a potential shift in sentiment within the Senate.
Cramer elaborated that he had emphasized to Hegseth the critical need for a Secretary of Defense to be alert and prepared at all times. Hegseth, in response, reportedly assured Cramer of his readiness at any hour.
Hegseth’s nomination challenges mirror a pattern of scrutiny faced by Trump’s cabinet picks, following the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial Attorney General nominee, whose vulnerabilities were widely known. However, the breadth of allegations against Hegseth, including a previously undisclosed settlement payment related to a sexual assault accusation, caught many by surprise.
Ian Cramer is pictured with his attorney in court, a reminder of the complexities and personal challenges faced by public figures and their families.
The Trump transition team’s apprehension about Hegseth’s Senate confirmation prospects became evident as they actively explored replacements. Sources indicated that Ron DeSantis, who had previously competed against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, is under serious consideration should Hegseth’s nomination falter. These sources, speaking anonymously, highlighted the sensitivity of internal deliberations.
Beyond Ron DeSantis, discussions have also included the possibility of shifting Michael Waltz, Trump’s pick for National Security Advisor, to the Defense Department. Waltz, a Florida congressman, brings a background as a retired Army National Guard officer and combat veteran, presenting another viable alternative.
Amidst the Capitol Hill whirlwind, Hegseth conveyed to reporters that he had received renewed confirmation of President Trump’s backing. “I spoke to the president this morning. He supports me fully. We’re not going anywhere,” Hegseth declared, projecting an image of unwavering support from the President-elect.
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Hegseth mounted a robust defense of his professional history, emphasizing his involvement with veterans advocacy organizations, Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) and Veterans For Freedom.
However, fresh allegations surfaced this week in The New Yorker, citing a whistleblower report and other documents related to Hegseth’s tenure at CVA. These allegations detailed instances of workplace intoxication, inappropriate conduct towards female staff members, and financial mismanagement.
Hegseth addressed some of these claims in his op-ed, acknowledging overspending during the 2008 campaign that led to debt for Veterans For Freedom. He maintained that he remained with the organization until all debts were settled. He attributed his departure from CVA to a “difference of opinion” regarding the group’s strategic direction.
Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a military veteran and a survivor of sexual assault, refrained from offering a full endorsement after her meeting with Hegseth. She acknowledged Hegseth’s military service and described their conversation as “frank and thorough,” suggesting ongoing evaluation of his suitability for the role.
The Trump transition team remained silent in response to inquiries about Hegseth’s current status, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his nomination.
In a taped interview for Megyn Kelly’s SiriusXM radio show, Hegseth revealed that Trump sought a “warfighter” to eliminate “woke crap” from the Pentagon.
Referring to his Capitol Hill engagements, Hegseth claimed, “No one has looked me in the eye and said, ‘I have concerns.’” He reiterated his determination, stating, “We’re not backing down one bit.”
The revelation of a 2017 settlement payment to a woman who accused Hegseth of sexual assault in California further complicated his nomination. Hegseth’s lawyer characterized the payment as a preemptive measure against a baseless lawsuit.
This composite image features Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during their confirmation hearings, highlighting the scrutiny faced by cabinet nominees.
When directly questioned by Kelly about the alleged sexual assault, Hegseth unequivocally denied it. He described the situation as “really unfortunate” and stated the payment was made to avoid being “outed” by the woman’s lawyers, aiming to protect his family and career.
Hegseth conceded to the characterization of himself as a “serial cheater,” acknowledging infidelity in all three of his marriages. “Was I a perfect man, absolutely not,” he admitted, displaying a degree of candor regarding his personal failings.
However, Hegseth firmly rejected the notion of a drinking problem and pledged abstinence as Secretary of Defense, invoking the Pentagon’s General Order No. 1 as a guiding principle.
GOP Senator Markwayne Mullin, who joined Hegseth in a meeting with House Republicans, defended the nominee, emphasizing personal growth and focusing on Hegseth’s present character rather than past actions.
Senator Cramer noted that Hegseth had acknowledged instances of excessive drinking but denied any improper conduct. Hegseth also refuted specific allegations from The New Yorker report, including claims of being drunk at a strip club with coworkers and attempting to dance on stage. Cramer relayed Hegseth’s denial of ever being intoxicated at a Louisiana strip club or behaving improperly on stage in an intoxicated state.
Earlier in the day, Hegseth’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, appeared on Fox News to address some of the allegations publicly. She discussed a 2018 email to her son, obtained by The New York Times, where she confronted him about mistreating women. This email followed previous allegations of questionable behavior around female staffers and the 2017 sexual assault accusation.
On Tuesday, Senator Lindsey Graham expressed concern about the reports, stating that some were “disturbing” and emphasizing the importance of respect and welcome for women in the military.
Penelope Hegseth appealed to lawmakers to listen to her son and grant him an opportunity to prove himself. “I think it can be overcome,” she asserted, expressing faith in her son’s ability to navigate the challenges.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and decorated military veteran, faces a daunting confirmation process. If confirmed, he would lead a military force with a significant female representation, making the allegations of misconduct particularly sensitive.
In closing the interview, Hegseth acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation but expressed resolve in confronting his detractors, leaving his fate “in God’s hands.” The unfolding saga of Pete Hegseth’s nomination and the potential consideration of Ron DeSantis underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny inherent in presidential cabinet appointments.
