President-elect Donald Trump has reassured his supporters he is committed to seeing Pete Hegseth confirmed by the Senate as the next Secretary of Defense.
Hegseth has enjoyed a groundswell of support following increasing criticism of his nomination by Democrats and some conservatives.
Hegseth had been facing pressure to rescind his nomination after reports emerged suggesting sexual misconduct from Hegseth.
As reported by The Floridian’s Daniel Molina, allegations against Hegseth include accusing him of paying a secret financial settlement to a woman who had accused him of committing rape in 2017.
Moreover, private emails between Hegseth and his mother were also uncovered, depicting an exchange wherein his mother accuses him of being abusive towards women.
Hegseth has denied the accusations and has been amassing conservatives’ support, gaining endorsements from lawmakers like Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Rick Scott (R-FL).
Senator Scott explained he met with Hegseth earlier this week, underscoring that “one of the reasons I support him is that he has led his fellow servicemen and women in combat.”
Similarly, Senator Hagerty expressed his support for Hegseth as “an inspirational leader in service of our brave men and women in uniform,” adding that “more and more of my Senate colleagues are learning the same after getting to know him.”
Now, President Trump has publicly re-committed to Hegseth’s nomination, explaining support for Hegseth is “strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe.”
“(Hegseth) will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill,” assured Trump.
Trump’s latest comments dispel recent rumors Florida Governor Ron DeSantis may replace Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense.
As The Floridian’s Liv Caputo reported, Governor DeSantis is scheduled to attend the traditional army-navy football game this weekend alongside Trump.
