With Senate support for Pete Hegseth appearing shaky following a wave of accusations about his personal and professional conduct, President-elect Donald Trump on Friday reiterated his support for his pick as Defense Secretary.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump dismissed the impact of the scandals Hegseth faced and praised the former Fox News host:
Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more than the Fake News would have you believe. He was a great student – educated at Princeton/Harvard – with a military mindset. He will be a fantastic, energetic Secretary of Defense, someone who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and nothing can change that!!!
Trump’s public expression of support for his choice as defense secretary comes as Hegseth, a former Fox News host, is working overtime to lobby Republican senators for their support. According to Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Hegseth, who has denied having a drinking problem, has gone so far as to pledge not to drink alcohol if confirmed.
Hegseth has also publicly struck a defiant tone, writing in The Wall Street Journal that he will not back down from what he called “anonymous accusations from a few disgruntled employees.”
Trump’s public outpouring of support follows multiple reports that the president-elect is considering potential replacements for Hegseth, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Elbridge Colby, who served as deputy assistant secretary of Defense for strategy and force development during Trump’s first term.
This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
