Pete Hegseth told reporters Thursday he still has President-elect Donald Trump’s support to be Defense secretary, while also dodging a question about how he is addressing his alcohol use with senators.
“I’m here with the support of President Donald Trump. As long as he supports me, which he told me this morning, I’ll be here,” Hegseth said from Capitol Hill when asked if there were any circumstances under which he would withdraw his name for the position.
The Fox host continues to meet with senators in efforts to secure confirmation votes amid allegations of sexual assault and a problematic drinking habit, both of which he has denied. It’s unclear if the efforts will be enough, as POLITICO previously reported Trump is considering nominating Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace Hegseth. The president-elect is eager to know the details of Hegseth’s meetings, Playbook reported.
When asked what he is telling senators regarding his drinking — amid reports that he has vowed to stop drinking if he is confirmed — Hegseth replied, “that’s why I’m telling senators and not you.”
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who is seen as a critical barometer for Hegseth’s support among Senate Republicans, told Fox News earlier Thursday that she is not ready to vote yes on Hegseth’s confirmation after meeting with the nominee for a “frank and thorough” conversation on Wednesday.
Hegseth maintained Thursday that his meetings have been “great” thus far.
“Senators give great advice and this is how the process works. It’s not going to be tried out here, it’s going to be discussed inside the offices,” he said. “How we rebuild our military, put the war fighters first, that’s what Donald Trump — President Trump has asked me to do, and that’s what we will continue to do.”
