Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, is under mounting pressure as senators weigh allegations of misconduct that could jeopardize his confirmation.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard major, faces accusations of inappropriate workplace behavior, including sexual misconduct, intoxication at work events, and financial mismanagement. Concerns over his nomination have prompted Trump’s transition team to consider potential replacements, according to a source familiar with the deliberations.
DeSantis Floated as Potential Replacement
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, is reportedly being discussed as a possible alternative if Hegseth’s nomination falters. Trump and DeSantis appeared together at a West Palm Beach ceremony on Tuesday, fueling speculation about DeSantis’ role in the administration.
The Trump transition team declined to comment on the matter.
Defended by His Mother Amid Controversy
Hegseth’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, appeared on Fox & Friends Wednesday to defend her son against the allegations, which include a reported incident in 2017 where he was accused of sexual assault. Hegseth has denied wrongdoing, asserting the encounter was consensual.
In her interview, Penelope addressed a 2018 email she wrote to her son, obtained by The New York Times, in which she confronted him about mistreating women during a difficult divorce. The letter followed allegations, reported by The New Yorker, involving questionable conduct with female staffers.
Speaking directly to Trump during the segment, Penelope said her son “is not the man he was seven years ago” and described the email as a reaction to a highly emotional period. She claimed she retracted the email and apologized to her son two hours after sending it.
Congressional Concerns Over Leadership
If confirmed, Hegseth would oversee a military of over two million service members, 17% of whom are women. However, the allegations have raised concerns among lawmakers about his ability to lead.
The Trump transition team is closely monitoring Hegseth’s confirmation prospects, with deliberations ongoing about whether to proceed with his nomination or pivot to a safer choice like DeSantis.
Hegseth’s confirmation hearings are expected to be contentious as senators grapple with the implications of the allegations on his suitability to lead the Pentagon.
