Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s decide for protection secretary, was again on Capitol Hill on Thursday to fulfill with Republican lawmakers as misconduct allegations continued to cloud his choice to guide the Pentagon.
However behind the scenes, Trump’s political group is concentrated on determining the place feminine Republican senators stand on Hegseth, based on two folks concerned within the conversations. Trump’s advisers are absolutely conscious that with such a skinny GOP majority, Hegseth’s destiny might all come right down to the ladies within the convention.
ABC Information was additionally informed Trump has expressed to these near him that Hegseth ought to have been extra sincere and forthcoming concerning the challenges he might face getting by way of the affirmation course of given his historical past.
Trump, who’s contemplating different choices for the position, has not been working the telephones for Hegseth — as he did for Matt Gaetz.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be protection secretary, is joined by his spouse Jennifer Rauchet, as they stroll by way of the basement of the Capitol, Dec. 4, 2024, in Washington.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Gaetz was Trump’s authentic decide for lawyer normal however stated he withdrew his identify from consideration as he confronted his personal allegations of sexual misconduct. Trump has since tapped former Florida lawyer normal Pam Bondi to go up the Justice Division, pending Senate affirmation.
Hegseth has informed senators his mom has been making calls to senators on his behalf, based on sources aware of the matter. He has additionally informed senators he’s open to a background examine, based on a number of sources.
Throughout Wednesday’s conferences with GOP senators, Hegseth promised some he wouldn’t drink alcohol if confirmed.
“The allegation was made about him being intoxicated at a number of occasions and so the questions that each member might be asking him led to his assertion,” stated Sen. Roger Wicker, present rating member of the Senate Armed Companies Committee and anticipated to take over the chairmanship in January — presiding over Hegseth’s affirmation hearings.
Hegseth on Thursday was anticipated to fulfill with Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Jim Banks of Indiana, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.
