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The nomination sparked immediate disbelief. A weekend anchor on Fox News leading the Department of Defense—America’s largest employer? It was hard to take seriously.
Then came the reminders of Pete Hegseth’s polarizing opinions, such as his opposition to women serving in combat roles. He has been vocal about his belief that the Pentagon’s diversity initiatives foster “wokeness” among military personnel. Additional reports emerged about his past support for figures accused of war crimes, which drew ire from Pentagon officials. Allegations also surfaced regarding his unit’s potential involvement in war crimes, a history of anti-Muslim comments, and even a tattoo associated with white Christian nationalism. Concerns regarding his fitness for high-pressure roles were raised by military colleagues who flagged him as an “insider threat.”
Despite these issues, the team at Mar-a-Lago, which operates as the de facto headquarters for the incoming Trump administration, appeared unfazed. Reportedly, Trump-aligned Republicans were aware of Hegseth’s controversies before nominating him for Secretary of Defense—a position that could place him sixth in line for the presidency. While Senate Republicans publicly maintained a united front, many privately expressed concerns, likening their situation to a familiar rollercoaster ride.
However, the subsequent revelations shocked even Trump’s inner circle. Hegseth was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Republican women’s conference in California, with claims supported by a police report and a hush-money settlement. (Hegseth has denied these allegations, stating the encounter was consensual, emphasizing he faced no charges, and defended his political beliefs and tattoo as merely a “Christian symbol,” which he argued should not disqualify him from overseeing President Biden’s inauguration.)
Recently, more alarming stories have surfaced, including an email from Hegseth’s mother accusing him of being a habitual abuser and reckless individual. Reports characterized him as a poor steward of funds from the influential Koch network, a sexist bully, and someone who had been intoxicated on the job, leading to termination. Allegations also emerged that he charged hotel expenses for extramarital affairs to his wife’s credit card, alongside claims from former Fox colleagues worried about his drinking habits.
In typical circumstances, such controversies would derail any administration’s nominee, particularly for a critical position like Secretary of Defense. Yet this is Trump, known for thriving amid controversy. His senior aides reaffirmed their support for Hegseth, even as whispers suggested it might not be the best use of their political capital.
However, Trump’s loyalty has its limits. By late Tuesday afternoon, indications emerged that Hegseth’s nomination was facing significant challenges. He could afford to lose three Republican Senators, but skepticism was growing. Lawmakers like Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina hinted that the path forward might be “difficult.” Senator Joni Ernst, a retired Army Reservist from Iowa and member of the Armed Services Committee, indicated her desire for a “frank” conversation with Hegseth. Meanwhile, Senator Roger Wicker, who leads that committee, emphasized that Hegseth would need to address pressing questions from his panel if he hoped to navigate the storm of negative coverage. Some Republicans, who have been inconsistent supporters of Trump, could threaten the nomination; Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska are particularly under scrutiny. Others are preparing for a whistleblower report and audit regarding Hegseth’s tenure managing the Koch-affiliated veterans’ organization.
Privately, staff on Capitol Hill are watching the nomination unfold with trepidation. While Trump’s team appears confident, aides within GOP leadership are beginning to express doubt. At least six Republican Senators were thought to be undecided, according to three aides on the Hill.
This isn’t the first time a Trump Cabinet nomination has stumbled. He initially considered former Representative Matt Gaetz for the Department of Justice until it became clear that the nomination would likely become a significant burden. The barrage of negative press surrounding Gaetz’s alleged sexual misconduct and drug use ultimately forced the President-elect to reconsider. Trump can endorse candidates as long as their controversies don’t lead to personal embarrassment; he tolerates bad news, provided it’s not new information to him. When media scrutiny shifts from Trump to his appointees, it becomes a liability.
Gaetz’s rapid withdrawal from the Cabinet nomination process remains one of the fastest in history, rivaling a similar eight-day fiasco George W. Bush faced with his Labor Secretary nominee in 2000.
Thus far, Republicans who will influence the confirmation process for Trump’s Cabinet selections have largely remained steadfast regarding Hegseth, unlike their reactions to Gaetz. However, concerns about advancing with someone lacking experience in managing a significant entity like the Pentagon have cast doubt on the nomination. Senate Republicans are cautious of Trump and his supporters while needing to vet the individual who will advise him on crucial military decisions. The distinction between manageable and untenable is slim, and Trump appears to be testing that limit with Hegseth.
So far, Democrats have chosen to take a step back, allowing Republicans to navigate their own controversies. The prevailing sentiment on Capitol Hill since the nomination process began has been similar to watching a train wreck while snacking on popcorn. Although Democrats lack the authority to veto Trump’s picks, they remain uncertain about the outcomes. The turmoil has already claimed Gaetz, and Hegseth—or even Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s nominee for intelligence chief—might soon follow. Other contentious nominations include Kash Patel, a former Hill aide set to lead the FBI, and the controversial Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services.
Currently, Trump’s team is advising allies to exercise patience regarding the rest of the nomination slate. Hegseth is actively engaging in a charm offensive with Hill offices, and many Republicans are signaling their loyalty. “I will support whatever President Trump decides,” stated Senator Mike Crapo when asked about nominees proceeding without an FBI background check. (Following Crapo’s remarks, the Trump campaign announced plans to collaborate with federal agencies on vetting.)
It’s crucial to keep in mind that for every moment of tension when someone like Collins or Murkowski seems hesitant about Trump’s decisions, they are still more likely to align with him than not. However, despite Trump’s firm backing among Senate Republicans, Hegseth faces mounting challenges. The latest revelations—that he charged hotel expenses to his then-wife’s credit card while engaged in multiple affairs—further jeopardize his nomination. Trump enjoys surprising his supporters but dislikes being caught off guard himself. This might 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 thus far, it may seem like a futile effort. Washington appears to be in a waiting game, eager to see if Trump will ultimately pivot to another candidate. Welcome to the Waiting Game, through Trump’s perspective.
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