Trump offers a public show of support for Hegseth and says he believes he can be confirmed
President-elect Donald Trump is offering a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled choice to lead the Pentagon
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday offered a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled choice to lead the Defense Department, whose confirmation by the Senate is in doubt as he faces questions over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his views on women in combat.
Hegseth, a former Fox News Host, Army National Guard major and combat veteran, spent much of the week on Capitol Hill trying to salvage his Cabinet nomination and privately reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead Trump’s Pentagon.
“Pete Hegseth is doing very well,” Trump posted on his social media site. “He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense." The president added, "Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”
Trump told NBC's “Meet the Press” in an interview recorded Friday that he believes Hegseth will be confirmed and that he still has confidence in him.