The problems keep mounting for one pick.
South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham raised concerns this week over Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense, calling it “difficult” for President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to secure Senate approval. Graham’s comments came after a series of troubling allegations against Hegseth, including accusations of sexual assault and reports of his intoxication during his tenure at the veterans’ advocacy group, Concerned Veterans for America (CVA).
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017. The accuser filed a police report, claiming Hegseth prevented her from leaving a hotel room at a California Republican event. Although no charges were filed, the allegation sparked media scrutiny. When asked about the claims, Graham told CBS News, “I believe some of the claims are extremely disturbing. He still has a chance to defend himself, but some of these things are going to make it hard for him to be confirmed.” However, when questioned about the police report, Graham dismissed its relevance, saying, “I do not care,” maintaining his support for Trump’s nominee.
Further complicating Hegseth’s nomination, The New Yorker reported this week that he had been intoxicated multiple times while leading CVA, a Koch-backed organization. Sources alleged that Hegseth was so drunk on several occasions that he needed to be physically carried out of events. Hegseth responded by brushing off the claims, stating he would not dignify them with a comment.
Despite the controversy, President Trump stood by his nominee, issuing a statement through his transition team. “The President is standing firmly behind Hegseth as his Secretary of Defense nominee, acknowledging his service to our country and his promise of putting America First,” the statement read.
Hegseth’s nomination has caught the attention of Republican senators, many of whom were surprised by the pick. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, among others, expressed uncertainty, with some senators admitting they were unfamiliar with Hegseth’s background. While Hegseth’s military service is widely acknowledged, his controversial views—such as opposition to women serving in combat roles—combined with concerns about his leadership experience in Washington and the military, have raised doubts within the GOP.
As Senate hearings loom, it remains to be seen whether Hegseth’s controversial past and the questions surrounding his character will hinder his path to confirmation. What is clear is that his nomination is one of the most contentious in recent memory, and his ability to win over both the Senate and the American public remains uncertain.