President Donald Trump isn’t moving on from embattled pick for Defense secretary Pete Hegseth yet, calling the former Fox News personality’s support “strong and deep” in a post to his social media site Friday morning.
“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”
Hegseth has spent the week meeting with GOP senators and trying to shore up support for his nomination as allegations of sexual assault, financial mismanagement and alcohol abuse have sowed doubt about his ability to be confirmed. He’s denied any wrongdoing.
Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, told POLITICO that the secretary designate is looking forward to the FBI’s background check, because it will “actually do a full investigation, look at everything from both sides, and not just take anonymous uncorroborated statements and run with them.”
Allies of Hegseth, including his mother, have gone on a media blitz to defend the former Fox News host. And the Heritage Foundation is spending $1 million to pressure senators to confirm him.
While he’s still backing Hegseth publicly, Trump is also considering other options to lead the Pentagon, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But as long as Trump is still behind him, Hegseth has said he will continue on.
“As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I’m going to be standing right here in this fight,” Hegseth said Thursday.