Hegseth tells Republicans that ‘this is a battle that is just beginning’

Pete Hegseth, the President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, addressed a group of Republicans on a prayer call on Tuesday, where he stated that “the battle is just beginning.” His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over past allegations of sexual assault, which Hegseth denies. These allegations have raised questions about his confirmation, although he remains resolute.

Hegseth’s comments, delivered on a call hosted by the Republican National Committee (RNC) and co-chaired by Lara Trump, marked some of his first public statements since being named to the president-elect’s Cabinet. During the call, he asked participants to pray for Trump, his wife Melania, and their family, emphasizing the importance of prayer for support during challenging times.

“This is a battle that is just beginning,” Hegseth said, with his wife Jennifer by his side. “I know in our family, we take that time to hold them up in prayer,” he added, highlighting the importance of faith and family support during his confirmation process.

The former military veteran and Fox News host also noted the overwhelming support his family has received since he was nominated for the position of defense secretary. This support, he said, is what enables them to withstand the criticism and challenges they are facing. “That’s the reason why we can endure the attacks and the onslaughts,” Hegseth explained.

Lara Trump, who is married to the president-elect’s son Eric Trump, also voiced her support for Hegseth after his remarks. She praised his qualities and expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that the nation is “lucky” to have him as the next defense secretary.

Hegseth’s nomination for defense secretary has raised eyebrows due to his lack of experience in senior military or public office roles, which caught many Pentagon officials and even some of Trump’s allies off guard. Critics of the appointment have questioned his qualifications for such an important position, especially given the growing controversy surrounding the sexual assault allegation.

The allegation, which came to light shortly after his nomination, has become a focal point of scrutiny. According to CNN, Hegseth’s attorney confirmed that he had reached a settlement agreement with a woman who accused him of sexual assault. The settlement reportedly included a confidentiality clause. However, Hegseth firmly denies the allegation, describing the incident in Monterey, California, in October 2017 as a “consensual sexual encounter.” His attorney has emphasized that there were no criminal charges or civil lawsuits filed against him in connection with the alleged incident.

Despite the controversy surrounding the nomination, President Trump has refused to reconsider his choice. The president-elect’s team, however, was reportedly caught off guard by the timing of the sexual assault allegations. Despite this, Trump has expressed confidence in Hegseth’s qualifications and commitment to serving the nation.

As the confirmation process continues, Vice President-elect JD Vance is expected to lead Hegseth and other Cabinet nominees in meetings with key Republican senators on Capitol Hill. These meetings are crucial for securing the necessary votes for confirmation, and Hegseth’s nomination is expected to face close scrutiny from lawmakers. As of now, Hegseth remains a key figure in Trump’s incoming administration, though his confirmation could still face significant hurdles.

In conclusion, Pete Hegseth’s nomination for defense secretary is being met with both strong support and serious challenges. While he has received backing from figures like Lara Trump and maintains that he has the support of his family, his confirmation process will likely be a difficult battle. The controversy surrounding the sexual assault allegation adds an additional layer of complexity to the situation, and the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Hegseth will ultimately secure the role. Regardless of the outcome, Hegseth’s statement that “the battle is just beginning” reflects the challenges ahead as he prepares for the confirmation process.