WASHINGTON — Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Defense Department, stated he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Senator Susan Collins on Wednesday as he worked to secure enough votes for his confirmation. Despite facing allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct, Hegseth expressed his determination to not back down.
After their hour-long meeting, Collins mentioned that she probed Hegseth about the allegations that have surfaced, which included claims of heavy drinking and a reported settlement payment linked to a sexual assault accusation that he denies. Collins described their discussion as “good” and “substantive,” covering much ground on subjects such as sexual assault in the military, Ukraine, and NATO. However, she noted that she would prefer to wait until a formal hearing, particularly for a background check, before making a final decision.
“I posed virtually every question imaginable,” Collins told reporters upon exiting her office following the meeting. “I scrutinized him on military issues and the allegations against him. I believe we covered every necessary topic.”
This meeting was being closely monitored, as Collins is considered more likely than her Republican colleagues to oppose some of Trump’s Cabinet selections. Along with Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, Collins has shown a willingness to dissent from Trump’s views during his first term and has at times supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for judicial and executive positions.
Hegseth, who is a combat veteran and a former weekend host for “Fox & Friends,” is seeking to gather as many supportive votes as possible amidst concerns regarding his personal history and alleged lack of management experience among some senators.
“I am certainly not going to take for granted where the senator stands,” Hegseth said after leaving Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and value. We hope that as we progress through the committee and to the floor, we can earn her support.”
Hegseth has also had a meeting with Murkowski on Tuesday and is continually engaging with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a military veteran who identifies as a sexual assault survivor. Ernst has dedicated time in the Senate to enhance the reporting and prosecution of sexual assault cases within the military. Following a meeting with Hegseth on Monday, she mentioned that he had pledged to appoint a senior official to focus on these initiatives.
With Republicans holding a 53-49 majority in the upcoming year, Trump is in a position where he can afford to lose only three votes on his nominees. The extent of support for Hegseth remains uncertain as pressure from Trump on senators has intensified in the past week.
“Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump proclaimed on his social media platform last week.
On Thursday, Hegseth is expected to meet with a Democrat, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman. While Fetterman confirmed the meeting, he did not disclose whether he was contemplating supporting Hegseth or what their discussions would entail.