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Republican senators meeting with Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, dismissed sexual assault and misconduct allegations against him as a “side issue,” emphasizing his leadership qualifications. During a closed-door meeting Monday with the Republican Steering Committee, Hegseth received strong endorsements from senators who focused on his military background and vision for the Defense Department.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) brushed off the allegations, stating that Hegseth’s credibility outweighs the controversies. “Are soldiers sometimes wild childs? Yeah, that can happen,” she remarked. “But it is very clear that this guy is the guy who, at a time when Americans are losing confidence in their military, can project strength around the world.”
Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host, faces scrutiny over a 2015 whistleblower report accusing him of being intoxicated on the job and a 2017 sexual assault allegation, for which he was not charged. He has denied all allegations.
Despite the controversy, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) praised Hegseth’s commitment to strengthening the military. “He’s clearly committed to making sure we have a lethal military that scares the crap out of our enemies and is respected by our allies,” Scott said.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) dismissed the media’s focus on Hegseth’s personal life, calling it “obsessive.” Cruz also criticized the involvement of the FBI in background checks, suggesting that such scrutiny should be revised.
Hegseth’s controversial comments on women in combat also drew attention. He recently stated on a podcast that women should not serve in combat roles, claiming their presence complicates military operations. Lummis downplayed these remarks, suggesting Hegseth might change his stance after working with female fighter pilots.
The Trump transition team defended Hegseth, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt praising his qualifications. “All of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees are highly qualified individuals who will help Make America Great Again,” Leavitt said.
Despite the controversy, the senators’ support signals that Hegseth’s nomination is likely to move forward.
