Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, was back on Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with Republican lawmakers as allegations of misconduct continued to cloud his pick to lead the Pentagon.
Behind the scenes, Trump’s policy team is focused on finding out where female Republican senators stand on Hegseth, according to two people involved in the talks. Trump’s advisers are fully aware that with such a thin GOP Senate majority, Hegseth’s fate may all come down to the women of the conference.
Late. Joni Ernst, a key Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which will hold his confirmation hearings, notably declined to voice support for Hegseth after meeting with him Wednesday and then again Thursday on Fox News, which Trump is known to watch.
Ernst told Fox News host Bill Hemmer that she had a “very honest” and “productive” discussion with Hegseth. When Hemmer was pressed that it didn’t sound like she had gotten a yes to his confirmation, she replied, “I think you’re right.”
Ernst is the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate and herself a survivor of sexual assault. Hegseth has faced allegations of sexual assault (which he has denied) and has previously said that women should not serve in ground combat roles in the military.
ABC News has learned that Trump has expressed to those close to him that Hegseth should have been more honest and forthcoming about the challenges he might face getting through the confirmation process given his history.
Trump, who is considering other options (a list that includes Ernst) for the role, has not worked the phones for Hegseth — as he did for Matt Gaetz.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, is joined by his wife Jennifer Rauchet as they walk through the basement of the Capitol, Dec. 4, 2024, in Washington.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Gaetz was Trump’s original pick for attorney general, but said he withdrew his name from consideration when faced with his own sexual misconduct allegations. Trump has since tapped former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department, pending Senate confirmation.
Hegseth has told senators that his mother has been making calls to senators on his behalf, according to sources familiar with the matter. He has also told senators he is open to a background check, according to multiple sources.
During Wednesday’s meetings with GOP senators, Hegseth promised some he would not drink alcohol if confirmed.
“The allegation was made that he was intoxicated numerous times, and so the questions that every member will ask him led to his statement,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, current ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and expected to take over. chairmanship in January — oversee Hegseth’s confirmation hearings.
Hegseth was expected to meet Thursday 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.
Hegseth told reporters as he walked through the Capitol that he had spoken with Trump Thursday morning.
“He’s behind us all the way,” Hegseth said when asked by ABC News’ Jay O’Brien what Trump had told him during their conversation.
When asked if he believed he had the votes to be confirmed, Hegseth dodged the question but said he continued to work his way through the process.
