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The initial reaction to the nomination was one of sheer disbelief. A weekend host on a Fox News morning program as the head of the Department of Defense, the largest employer in the nation? Seriously?
Then came reminders that Pete Hegseth holds controversial views, such as opposing women in combat roles. It was also noted that he believes the Pentagon’s diversity and inclusion initiatives promote “wokeness” among service members. Reports surfaced detailing his past support for individuals accused of war crimes, which faced backlash from Pentagon leadership. Additionally, there were allegations regarding his unit’s potential involvement in war crimes, his history of anti-Muslim remarks, and even a tattoo linked to white Christian nationalism. Concerns were raised by military colleagues who flagged him as a possible “insider threat” unfit for high-stress environments.
Despite the concerns, the team at Mar-a-Lago, the unofficial headquarters for the incoming Trump Administration, seemed unfazed. Republicans aligned with Trump reportedly knew of these controversies before nominating Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, a position that could put him sixth in line for the presidency. While Senate Republicans publicly remained united, many harbored private doubts, feeling they were on a rollercoaster ride they knew too well.
However, the next revelations shocked even the Trump team. Hegseth faced allegations of sexually assaulting a woman at a Republican women’s conference in California, accompanied by a police report and a hush-money settlement. (Hegseth has denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual and emphasizing that he was not charged. He also defended his political views and tattoo, asserting it was merely a “Christian symbol” that disqualified him from guarding President Biden’s inauguration.)
In recent days, more troubling stories emerged, including a poison-pen email from Hegseth’s mother accusing him of being a serial abuser and a reckless individual. Reports painted him as a poor steward of funds from the influential Koch network, a sexist bully, and a drunk on the job who had been fired. Allegations surfaced that he charged hotel expenses for extramarital encounters to his wife’s credit card, along with claims from former Fox colleagues expressing concern about his drinking habits.
Typically, such controversies would derail any administration’s nominee for even minor roles, let alone a critical position like Secretary of Defense. But this is Trump, who often thrives on controversy. His senior aides doubled down on their support for Hegseth, despite some murmurs suggesting it might not be the best deployment of their political capital.
Yet, Trump’s loyalty has its limits. By late Tuesday afternoon, signs emerged that Hegseth’s nomination was faltering significantly. He could afford to lose three Republican Senators, yet it appeared there were more than a few skeptics. Lawmakers like Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina indicated that the path forward might be “difficult.” Senator Joni Ernst, a retired Army Reservist from Iowa and a member of the Armed Services Committee, expressed her intention to have a “frank” discussion with Hegseth. Senator Roger Wicker, the head of that committee, noted that Hegseth would need to address questions from his panel if he hoped to weather the storm of negative press. Some Republicans who have been inconsistent allies to Trump might jeopardize the nomination; many eyes are on Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Others are preparing for a whistleblower report and audit regarding Hegseth’s time managing the Koch-affiliated veterans’ organization.
Privately, staff on Capitol Hill are closely monitoring the nomination with uncertainty. Even as Trump’s team exuded confidence, aides in GOP leadership were growing doubtful. At least six Republican Senators were considered to be on the fence, according to three Hill aides.
This wouldn’t mark the first time a Cabinet pick from Trump has gone awry. He initially favored former Representative Matt Gaetz for the Department of Justice until it became evident that his nomination would become a major headache. The avalanche of negative press surrounding Gaetz’s alleged sexual escapades with minors and drug use ultimately proved too much for the President-elect. Trump can support someone as long as it doesn’t lead to embarrassment; bad news is acceptable as long as it isn’t new news to him. When news coverage shifts focus away from Trump, it becomes a potential liability.
Gaetz’s swift exit from the Cabinet nomination process remains one of the quickest in history, rivaling a similar eight-day debacle faced by George W. Bush’s Labor Secretary pick in 2000.
So far, Republicans who will influence the confirmation process for Trump’s Cabinet picks have largely held firm regarding Hegseth, unlike their response to Gaetz. However, there are enough concerns about advancing with someone inexperienced in managing an entity as significant as the Pentagon to cast doubt on the nomination. Senate Republicans are wary of Trump and his supporters, but they also need to scrutinize the individual who will advise him on major military decisions. The line between manageable and untenable is thin, and Trump is pushing that boundary with Hegseth.
To date, Democrats have opted to step back and let Republicans manage their own controversies. A popular reaction on Capitol Hill since the nomination process began has been akin to someone watching a train wreck while munching popcorn. Although Democrats lack a veto over Trump’s picks, they are uncertain about the eventual outcomes. The turmoil has already claimed Gaetz, and Hegseth or even Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s nominee for the intelligence chief position, may soon follow suit. Other contentious nominations include Kash Patel, a former Hill aide poised to lead the FBI, and the controversial Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services.
Currently, Trump’s team is advising allies to remain patient regarding the rest of the slate. Hegseth is engaging in a charm offensive with Hill offices, and many Republicans are signaling their loyalty. “My position is that whatever President Trump chooses, I will support,” stated Senator Mike Crapo when asked about nominees moving forward without an FBI background check. (Following Crapo’s comments, the Trump campaign announced plans to collaborate with federal agencies on vetting.)
It’s essential to remember that for every moment of tension when someone like Collins or Murkowski appears to hesitate regarding Trump’s decisions, they are still more inclined to align with him than not. Yet, despite Trump’s solid backing among Senate Republicans, Hegseth still faces challenges. The latest revelations—that he charged hotel stays to his then-wife’s credit card while involved in multiple affairs—further jeopardize his nomination. Trump enjoys surprising his supporters but dislikes being caught off guard himself. This could explain why some of his allies in Congress are not heavily investing their time in preparing for Hegseth’s potential confirmation hearing. Given the tumultuous nature of this nomination so far, it may seem futile. Washington appears to be in a waiting game, eager to see if Trump will eventually pivot to another candidate. Welcome to the Waiting Game, as seen through Trump’s lens.
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