pete hegsethTrump, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to become defense secretary, received a vote of confidence Friday morning that he said was winning more support than media reports had suggested.
Trump said, “Pete Hegseth is doing great. His support is stronger and deeper than the fake news would have you believe.” Posted Truth on Social. “He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a military mindset. He would be a brilliant, high-energy, Secretary of Defense, someone who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a winner, and there's nothing else THIS CAN BE DONE TO CHANGE THIS!!!”
hegseth He is meeting with Republican senators fighting for his nomination amid allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and mismanagement of two veterans organizations he runs. Senators who have been unwilling to express full support for him include Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, who told Fox News that she had a “frank and thorough” conversation with him and said a “very thorough investigative process” was needed. Is.
According to his attorney Tim Parlatore, Hegseth will soon submit forms for an FBI background check. He received an SF-86 form from the FBI earlier this week, formally beginning the background check process. Parlatore told reporters that Hegseth is eager to get the process started and will cooperate fully.
Later Friday morning, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, who accompanied Hegseth on a tour of the Capitol with GOP senators, echoing Trump's support.
“Under President Trump's leadership, we are fighting for Pete Hegseth,” he wrote on X. “And we're doing it because Pete Hegseth will fight for our troops. For too long, the Pentagon has been led by people who have lost wars. Pete Hegseth is a man who has fought in those wars. “
Still, earlier this week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Ernst emerged as possible backup candidates for the top defense post. Despite the acrimony between DeSantis and Trump during the primary campaign, the Florida governor is interested in the position, two sources familiar with DeSantis' thinking said.
DeSantis will spend some time with Trump next Saturday, when both attend the Army-Navy football game, a source familiar with the governor's schedule confirmed. Although serving as defense secretary could pose some political risk, DeSantis believes it will position him well for the presidency in 2028, a source said. Fox News first reported that DeSantis and Trump would attend the game together.
Contributed to this report.