WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday publicly expressed support for Pete Hegseth, his controversial pick to lead the Defense Department, whose Senate confirmation is in doubt as he faces impeachment questions of excessive drinking and sexual assault. and his views on women in combat.
“Pete Hegseth is doing very well,” Trump wrote on his social media site. “He will be a fantastic, energetic secretary of defense.” The president added: “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”
Hegseth spent much of the week on Capitol Hill trying to salvage his Cabinet nomination and reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead Trump’s Pentagon.
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He has pledged not to drink on the job and told lawmakers he has never engaged in sexual misconduct, even as his professional views on female troops have come under increasing scrutiny. He said last month that women should not serve in combat “upright.”
Trump has nominated a series of loyal candidates for the 2020 elections who want to complement his administration and aid his efforts to reform the federal government and exact revenge on his enemies.
But he is already encountering some resistance. Two of his other picks have stepped down after facing intense criticism: former Congressman Matt Gaetz, his first choice for attorney general; and Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff who was Trump’s first choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Trump’s transition team has been looking at possible replacements if Hegseth’s nomination cannot advance, including former Trump rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
