Hegseth future in doubt as even Trump allies raise questions
4 min read
Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration is facing mounting uncertainty as questions arise about his qualifications and past conduct. While no Republican senators have openly pledged to oppose him, some of Trump’s closest allies, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, are now expressing doubts about Hegseth’s ability to secure confirmation. This growing skepticism is putting pressure on the president-elect’s team, which is working behind the scenes to address the concerns and avoid a second Cabinet pick collapsing due to Republican resistance.
Hegseth, a former conservative commentator and Army veteran, is under intense scrutiny following allegations of misconduct, including a sexual assault accusation from 2017, which he has denied. Although no charges were filed in the case, the accusations have raised red flags among some GOP senators. A senior source within Trump’s transition team stated that Hegseth’s confirmation is in jeopardy, and the nominee’s scheduled appearances—such as an interview on Fox and a meeting with Sen. Joni Ernst—are seen as critical moments for his future in the administration.
Ernst, an influential military veteran and Iowa senator, is expected to play a key role in determining Hegseth’s fate. Some Republican insiders are already considering alternative candidates for the position, including Ernst herself and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis, who served as a Navy JAG officer, is reportedly interested in the Defense Secretary role and has already discussed the possibility with Trump. His name had appeared on the original list of candidates for the position, and he is seen as a viable option if Hegseth’s nomination falters.
Despite the negative media attention, Hegseth and his attorney remain defiant. Hegseth posted a message on social media rejecting the claims against him, arguing that they are smear tactics by those who fear his disruptive influence. His attorney, Timothy Parlatore, stated that the allegations against Hegseth are baseless and that he is not considering withdrawing from the nomination. However, some Senate Republicans are increasingly frustrated with the growing number of accusations, particularly those related to his time running a veterans’ group and his conduct at Fox News.
Sen. Roger Wicker, who will lead the Senate Armed Services Committee, has indicated that he expects a whistleblower report outlining allegations of misconduct during Hegseth’s tenure at the veterans’ organization. These reports, along with concerns about Hegseth’s behavior while employed at Fox News, have contributed to rising doubts about his ability to pass a confirmation hearing. A senior transition source pointed to the increasing number of allegations as a significant concern for the administration.
Hegseth’s potential withdrawal from consideration would not be unprecedented, as former Rep. Matt Gaetz similarly stepped down from consideration as attorney general last month amid controversy. In response to Hegseth’s growing struggles, Trump’s transition team has begun considering alternative candidates for the role. Aside from Ernst and DeSantis, some sources have mentioned Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty as another potential pick for the position.
The debate over Hegseth’s nomination is further complicated by the tight margin in the Senate. With several moderate Republicans such as Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell holding significant sway, Hegseth’s confirmation will depend on securing the support of at least a few of these key figures. Some Republicans have already signaled their desire for a thorough background check, particularly in light of the allegations against him.
Key issues for many GOP senators include Hegseth’s controversial past statements, particularly on women serving in combat roles, which have raised concerns among some Republicans, especially military veterans like Ernst. Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, has indicated that she plans to have a candid conversation with Hegseth about his views on women in the military. She has been vocal about her own experiences with military sexual assault and is seen as a crucial voice on the matter. If she does not support Hegseth after their meeting, it could lead to opposition from other Republican senators.
While some Republicans, like Sen. Mike Rounds, have expressed a willingness to give Hegseth the benefit of the doubt regarding the allegations, others have stressed the importance of a full vetting process. Senators such as Cynthia Lummis, Kevin Cramer, and James Lankford have all acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against Hegseth, with Lankford noting that it is reasonable to ask about claims of intoxication at work events.
Despite the controversy surrounding his nomination, Hegseth remains steadfast in his defense, insisting that he is qualified to lead the Department of Defense and that he is being unfairly targeted. As the Senate begins to focus on confirming key Cabinet positions, the fate of Hegseth’s nomination will likely come down to how effectively he can address the concerns raised by Republican senators and whether alternative candidates begin to gain traction. With time running out, the pressure on Trump’s team to secure Hegseth’s confirmation is mounting.
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