WASHINGTON — On his second consecutive day on Capitol Hill, Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary, held private meetings with Republican senators amidst growing scrutiny about his suitability to lead the Department of Defense.
Hegseth, previously a co-host on Fox News and an Army National Guard veteran, informed reporters that he intended to engage with all senators willing to meet with him, including those who might have doubts about his nomination. “We’re gonna meet with every senator that wants to meet with us, across the board,” he stated as he visited offices around the Senate. “And we welcome their advice as we go through the advice and counsel process.”
The Defense Secretary role is typically one of the first Cabinet nominations considered by the Senate, but Hegseth’s confirmation process has been complicated by an allegation of sexual assault, which he has denied, alongside various concerns regarding his professional history and conduct.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, expressed that some of the information surrounding Hegseth is troubling, stating the importance of ensuring respect and a welcoming atmosphere for women in military service. Graham later noted that he remains uncertain about the veracity of the allegations but acknowledged Hegseth’s opportunity to address them.
Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri voiced his awareness of the ongoing reports and reiterated that he would discuss these with Hegseth directly. He stressed the need for an official confirmation hearing to address these matters.
Trump’s approach to staffing his administration has included selecting loyalists and making controversial appointments that challenge the Senate’s confirmation process. One early nomination—former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz—was withdrawn amid declining support attributed to allegations involving an investigation into sexual misconduct, although he was never criminally charged.
In the Senate, where Trump’s nominees can only afford a minimal amount of opposition, Republican senators are currently deliberating over their actions. With a Republican majority of 53 seats, just four dissenting votes could prevent a nominee from being confirmed if all Democrats vote against.
Discussions among senators regarding Hegseth’s allegations have been referenced as private and sensitive. Interestingly, during a recent meeting with a dozen Republican senators, none broached the subject of the allegations directed at Hegseth.
“The American people care about restoring our military,” said Senator Ted Cruz of Texas after the meeting, labeling the criticism of Hegseth as “shameful.” Despite a public reluctance to question Hegseth, several Republican senators indicated he may encounter rigorous inquiries during his confirmation hearing.
Incoming freshman senator John Curtis from Utah emphasized the significance of the confirmation process for addressing such concerns, while Senator Susan Collins of Maine highlighted the necessity for thorough background checks and committee investigations for all nominees.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, after meeting with Hegseth, expressed his support for the nomination but cautioned that serious allegations could affect votes in the confirmation process.
At 44, Hegseth has been a prominent figure in conservative media as a long-time Fox News contributor and co-host of “Fox and Friends Weekend.” His friendship with Trump has been noted as significant, given the many times Trump has appeared on the show.
Hegseth’s military background spans from 2002 to 2021, during which he served in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Stars. However, concerns have been raised about his lack of extensive military and national security experience, which would be critical in managing global challenges.
A recently released investigative report detailed a woman’s allegation that she was sexually assaulted by Hegseth in 2017 in a California hotel room, claiming he physically restricted her from leaving. Hegseth has maintained that the encounter was consensual and continues to deny any wrongdoing.
