Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s embattled nominee for Defense Secretary, faces increasing resistance in the Senate as allegations of past misconduct cloud his confirmation prospects. The controversy has sparked concern among Republican senators, with some withholding support and calling for further investigation.
The allegations against Hegseth, a decorated Army veteran and former Fox News host, include accusations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, and financial mismanagement during his time leading nonprofit advocacy groups. These revelations have raised doubts among senators across the political spectrum, with at least six Republicans reportedly expressing discomfort with his nomination, according to NBC News.
Republican Senators Voice Concern
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) described the allegations as “very disturbing,” suggesting that they could complicate Hegseth’s path to confirmation. “He obviously has a chance to defend himself here, but some of this stuff is going to be difficult,” Graham told CBS News.
Other key Republican senators, including Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), remain undecided. Collins emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of Hegseth’s background, including an FBI investigation and a Senate hearing. Ernst indicated plans to meet with Hegseth this week for a candid discussion about the allegations.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, some senators have defended Hegseth. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) dismissed the concerns as overblown, stating, “Are soldiers sometimes wild childs? Yeah, that can happen... Pete Hegseth is the answer to [concerns about military strength].”
Allegations and Background
The controversy intensified following a series of reports detailing Hegseth’s alleged misconduct. The New York Times revealed a 2018 email from his mother accusing him of abusing women, though she later apologized for the claims. The New Yorker reported that Hegseth was ousted from leadership roles at two nonprofit organizations due to allegations of sexual impropriety, excessive drinking, and financial mismanagement.
Additional concerns arose regarding a sexual assault allegation from 2017, which Hegseth has claimed was consensual. Furthermore, his colleagues at Fox News reportedly raised concerns about his drinking while he was a weekend host.
Senate Dynamics
Hegseth, accompanied by his wife and former Fox News producer Jennifer Cunningham Rauchet, returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for his third round of meetings with senators. He is attempting to rally support among Republican lawmakers, needing at least 50 votes to secure confirmation in the evenly divided Senate.
Sens. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, have expressed support for Hegseth. However, committee member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) signaled growing Democratic opposition, stating, “There’s more evidence by the day that he seems to be unfit to be secretary of Defense.”
Blumenthal also hinted at potential new revelations, noting that “a number of people” had approached his office with information.
Divided GOP
The Republican Party remains split on Hegseth’s candidacy. While Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) praised him as someone willing to challenge the “Military Industrial Complex,” others, such as Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), downplayed the allegations as not uncommon in Washington.
Trump’s adviser Jason Miller dismissed the concerns, expressing confidence in Hegseth’s confirmation. “We feel very good about his positioning for being confirmed by the Senate,” Miller told CNN.
Conclusion
Hegseth’s nomination remains in jeopardy as senators weigh the allegations and his qualifications to lead the Defense Department. With at least four Republican defections needed to block his confirmation, the coming weeks will be pivotal for his chances of overcoming the mounting scrutiny and securing the top Pentagon role.
