Trump, Hegseth, and Waltz Attend Army-Navy Game in Show of Republican Unity

President-elect Donald Trump attended Sunday’s ceremonial Army vs Navy football game in Maryland alongside Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth and national security advisor Mike Waltz, among other cabinet nominees. 

The occurrence was symbolic as republicans have rallied around nominee Hegseth in recent weeks following questions regarding his character and capacity to lead the Defense Department.

President Trump, however, has doubled down on Hegseth’s nomination as seen in Trump’s recent expressions of support for Hegseth and his willingness to appear at the Army-Navy game, a nationally televised event, alongside Hegseth. 

Additionally, Hegseth’s Congressional support has been growing. 

Last week, 32 military veterans serving in the U.S. House of Representatives endorsed Hegseth’s nomination through a letter destined to Senate leadership. 

The letter, which included Florida Representatives Cory Mills (R), Anna Paulina Luna (R), Mike Waltz (R), Scott Franklin (R), Gregory Steube (R), and Brian Mast (R), described Hegseth as “a critical connector to the force of tomorrow.” 

“Mr. Hegseth's singular focus on military lethality, coupled with deep knowledge of Defense and Veterans Affairs, positions him to create a more responsive and effectively prepared fighting force,” reads the letter.

The letter also briefly referenced the media controversy surrounding Hegseth’s nomination but implored the Senate “to honor its constitutional duty of advice and consent by conducting a fair, thorough confirmation process that evaluates his nomination solely on its substantive merits.”

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.

Despite these accusations, which Hegseth has denied, Hegseth's conservative support continues as he gained endorsements from lawmakers like Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Rick Scott (R-FL).