Washington — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Defense Department, returned to Capitol Hill on Monday as he tries to consolidate support among Senate Republicans as he faces allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement. veterans charity and excessive drinking.
Hegseth met with at least two Republican senators on Monday who expressed concerns about the allegations. In statements after the meetings, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa and Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina both appeared more comfortable with Trump's choice.
“As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair trial based on truth, not anonymous sources,” Ernst said.
Graham shared a similar sentiment regarding those who anonymously made allegations regarding the former Fox News personality's conduct.
He said, “Allegations being made regarding the financial management of veterans service organizations and individual misconduct should be considered by the Committee only if they are supported by testimony before Congress – not from anonymous sources.”
Hegseth has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Amid reports on his alleged conduct, several Republican senators Said He found all the allegations, including Graham's, “disturbing”.
Before meeting with Hegseth on Monday, Ernst said she needed to hear more from him about his stances on women in combat and sexual assault in the military before deciding whether to support him. Ernst is a survivor of sexual assault and a military veteran.
He said Monday that he had received assurances from Hegseth about how both would be handled if he led the Pentagon.
“I appreciate Pete Hegseth's accountability and respect for the process. After our encouraging conversation, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will lead our troops based on the quality and standards And will uphold the roles and values of women, not quotas – and that will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual harassment within the ranks,” her statement said.