Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, returned to Capitol Hill on Thursday to meet with Republican lawmakers as allegations of misconduct continued to cloud his choice to lead the Pentagon.
But behind the scenes, Trump’s political team is focused on finding out where Hegseth’s female Republican senators are, according to two people involved in the conversations. Trump’s advisers are keenly aware that with the GOP’s slim majority, Hegseth’s fate may rest in the hands of the women at the conference.
ABC News reported that Trump told those close to him that Hegseth should be more honest and open about the challenges he might face during the confirmation process given his history.
Trump, who is considering other options for the role, has not fielded Hegseth’s phones, as he did for Matt Gaetz.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, walks with his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, through the basement of the Capitol on Dec. 4, 2024, in Washington.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Gaetz was Trump’s original choice for attorney general, but he said he withdrew his name from consideration as he faced allegations of sexual misconduct. Trump has struck first Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will head the Justice Department, pending Senate confirmation.
Hegseth told senators that his mother makes calls to senators on his behalf, according to sources familiar with the matter. He has also told senators he is open to background checks, according to multiple sources.
Hegseth during meetings with GOP senators on Wednesday he promised some that he would not drink alcohol if confirmed
“There was an allegation that he was drunk several times and so the questions that each member is going to ask him led to his statement,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, a current member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and expected to take over. presidency in January — presided over Hegseth’s confirmation hearings.
Hegseth was expected to meet Thursday with Republican Senators Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Jim Banks of Indiana, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.
