The Fox News anchor nomination is an unconventional choice for a job Position of Minister of DefenseHe lacks experience in government work, and discussion of his obtaining the high position was overshadowed by news related to his personal life.
According to the Wall Street Journal, “allegations of sexual assault” against him surfaced in 2017, and other allegations also surfaced, raising more questions about his eligibility for the position.
To date, no Republican member has announced Senate He publicly said he would oppose Hegseth’s nomination, and Trump still supports him.
According to an informed person, the coming days will be crucial, as the candidate and senators held meetings on Tuesday in the Capitol building.
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville said after meeting with Hegseth: “I think his first goal now is to go out and sell himself to at least 51 or 52 senators. This is the job he needs to do to get the endorsement.”
FBI investigation
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for background checks on candidates before Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Republicans, who ignored Trump’s initial suggestions to let him bypass the Senate approval process for nominees, have also indicated they expect Hegseth to be subject to vetting before taking office.
Republicans, including Senators Susan Collins and Mike Rounds, said they wanted to commit to an FBI review to evaluate the allegations about Hegseth.
On the other hand, advisor Jason Miller told CNN: “There are no concerns and we feel very satisfied with his position to recommend him.”
Miller said the Senate has a serious job to “examine the matter” and get answers to questions. According to the Wall Street Journal.
An email raises suspicions
Last week, an email to Hegseth from his mother surfaced in which she denounced his treatment of women amid his 2018 divorce from his then-wife, Samantha.
The email, reported by the New York Times, said: “You are an abuser of women.” The newspaper said that his mother immediately apologized for the email.
Miller considered that “family conversations are sometimes very difficult.”
He believed that when Hegseth has the opportunity to present his case, he will show that he is “a wonderful person to lead the Ministry of Defense and that he has done nothing wrong.”
However, concerns remain behind the scenes regarding allegations about… Pete Hegseth. According to the Wall Street Journal.
Opposing Trump’s choices
In addition to discussions about Hegseth, lawmakers have expressed concerns about Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI director, Robert Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence.
Senate Republicans have already opposed some of the choices Trump.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, under pressure over “sexual misconduct and drug accusations,” withdrew from consideration for his nomination for attorney general last month.
Gaetz stepped down amid indications that lawmakers Republicans They were prepared to reject his candidacy.
He has been replaced by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is not expected to face obstacles to being endorsed for the position.
