Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defence secretary, continues to push forward with his bid for the job despite growing concerns in Congress about allegations surrounding his personal and professional life.
Two sources familiar with internal Trump team deliberations revealed that the Republican is considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as an alternative for the defence secretary role if Hegseth's nomination falters. A third source confirmed that Trump and DeSantis have discussed the Pentagon position, with DeSantis considering the offer.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and National Guard officer, met with Republican senators on Wednesday, seeking their support for his nomination to lead the US military. "I’m doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers," Hegseth wrote on X. "Our warriors never back down, & neither will I."
However, his nomination is facing significant opposition. "I have some very real concerns about some things that have come out recently and I want to ask him about that," said Republican US Senator Lisa Murkowski.
Hegseth is not the first Trump Cabinet pick to encounter difficulties. Former congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew his bid for attorney general last month amid allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use, which he denied.
Trump's choice for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Chad Chronister, also withdrew his nomination following opposition from some Republicans over his actions during the early days of the Covid pandemic. Trump stated on social media, "he didn't pull out. I pulled him out."
U.S. Senator John Thune, who will lead the Republican majority in the Senate next year, plans to meet with Hegseth later on Wednesday. "He's going to have an opportunity to address all the questions that have been raised, and there are some hard questions being raised. So he'll have to answer those," Thune said.
Hegseth is also scheduled to meet with Republican Senator Joni Ernst, a military veteran and sexual assault survivor, which is seen as crucial to his nomination prospects.
Media reports have raised numerous questions about Hegseth, including allegations of sexual assault and financial mismanagement. Hegseth has denied these allegations, and no charges were filed in the sexual assault case. He entered into a private settlement with the alleged victim.
One top Trump ally, Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, described the allegations against Hegseth as "very disturbing." Trump could potentially turn to Representative Mike Waltz, his choice for White House national security adviser, to head the Pentagon.
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