Contradicting Reports, Trump Expresses Continued Support for Hegseth

by Sharon Rondeau

(Dec. 6, 2024) — On Friday morning, President-Elect Donald Trump indicated on TruthSocial he continues to support his nomination of former “Fox & Friends” weekend co-anchor Peter B. Hegseth for his secretary of the Department of Defense (DOD), contrary to media reports stating he is considering someone else for the job.

“Pete Hegseth is doing very well,” Trump wrote. “His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe. He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”

A former Army National Guard officer and combat veteran in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hegseth was one of Trump’s first cabinet nominees following the November 5, 2024 presidential election. Since then, Hegseth has been the recipient of considerable criticism amidst an allegation of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse by unnamed individuals.

Earlier this week, Fox News, CBS News and The Wall Street Journal reported Trump was considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or possibly Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA).

“DeSantis is ‘very much’ in contention to replace Hegseth, multiple sources told Fox News,” the outlet reported Wednesday. “One source added that it was the president-elect himself who floated the governor’s name, and that Trump and DeSantis discussed the idea as they met Tuesday while appearing together in Florida at a memorial service for fallen law enforcement officers in Palm Beach County.”

Hegseth must be confirmed by a majority of the Senate to serve. On Wednesday and Thursday, he met with a number of senators, after which he told reporters his meetings constituted “a wonderful process” which would lead to the Senate Armed Services Committee sharing their “knowledge” and “advice” with him.