Pete Hegseth says he had ‘substantive conversation’ with Joni Ernst as Trump signals support

Trump Shows Support for Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth Amid Controversy

President-elect Donald Trump publicly expressed his support for Pete Hegseth, the embattled defense secretary nominee, on Friday. Hegseth, a former National Guard officer, has been facing allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, which he vehemently denies. Despite the controversy surrounding his nomination, Trump remains confident in Hegseth’s qualifications.

A Substantive Conversation with Senator Joni Ernst

During his efforts to rally support among Republican senators, Hegseth had a “substantive conversation” with Senator Joni Ernst. However, Ernst has not committed to voting in favor of Hegseth’s confirmation. Despite this uncertainty, Trump remains optimistic about Hegseth’s chances.

Trump’s Confidence in Hegseth’s Abilities

Trump emphasized his confidence in Hegseth’s capabilities, describing him as a smart individual with a strong military background. Trump has known Hegseth for a long time, primarily through his appearances on Fox News. According to Trump, Hegseth’s passion for the military is evident in every conversation they have.

Assurances from Senators

While Trump has received positive feedback from several senators regarding Hegseth’s nomination, he acknowledges that he does not have any assurances of confirmation. Nevertheless, Trump believes that the support he has received from senators will help secure Hegseth’s nomination.

Addressing Allegations of Excessive Drinking

When asked about the allegations of excessive drinking against Hegseth, Trump stated that he spoke to individuals who know him well and they assure him that Hegseth does not have a drinking problem. Trump’s response indicates his willingness to defend Hegseth against any unfounded claims.

Support from White House Press Secretary

The incoming White House Press Secretary also expressed support for Hegseth on social media. She described him as an excellent candidate with a military state of mind, highlighting his educational background and leadership skills. This endorsement further strengthens the case for Hegseth’s nomination.

Constructive Conversations with Senator Ernst

Both Hegseth and Senator Ernst described their meeting as constructive and expressed their intention to continue discussions in the coming week. They agree that Hegseth deserves the opportunity to present his vision for the military during a fair hearing.

Vice President-elect’s Full Support

Vice President-elect JD Vance joined in expressing full support for Hegseth. He emphasized that Hegseth will receive a hearing before the Senate Armed Forces Committee, not a “sham hearing” in the media. Vance believes that Hegseth is the right person to lead the Department of Defense and is committed to seeing his nomination through.

DeSantis as a Potential Replacement

In the event that Hegseth’s nomination faces obstacles, Trump mentioned Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a potential replacement for the role of defense secretary. However, Trump and his team remain steadfast in their support for Hegseth and are determined to ensure a fair nomination process.

Conclusion

Despite the controversy surrounding Pete Hegseth’s nomination as defense secretary, President-elect Trump and his team continue to show unwavering support. Hegseth’s qualifications and dedication to the military have been emphasized, and efforts are being made to rally support among senators. The outcome of his confirmation remains uncertain, but Trump and his team are committed to a fair process and are prepared to explore alternative options if necessary.