President-elect Donald Trump on Friday made a major announcement about his pick to lead the Defense Department, former Fox News host and contributor Pete Hegseth. In a post to his Truth Social account, Trump renewed his support for his nominee and said that he was doing very well despite the negative media reports. In addition, Vice President-elect JD Vance posted to his X account that Hegseth has the unequivocal support of both men.
“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. 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!!!” he wrote.
In his X post, Vance included a screenshot of Trump’s statement, adding: “Led by President Trump, we’re fighting for Pete Hegseth. And we’re doing so because Pete Hegseth wil fight for our troops. For too long, the Pentagon has been led by people who lose wars. Pete Hegseth is a man who fought in those wars. We’ve got his back.”
Led by President Trump, we’re fighting for Pete Hegseth. And we’re doing so because Pete Hegseth wil fight for our troops.
For too long, the Pentagon has been led by people who lose wars. Pete Hegseth is a man who fought in those wars.
We’ve got his back. pic.twitter.com/6n57SSQQ5X
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 6, 2024
In his own statement on Friday, Hegseth doubled down and said that his fate won’t be decided by the media: “This will not be a process tried in the media. I don’t answer to anyone in this group… none of you. Not to that camera at all. I answer to President Trump, who received 76 million votes and a mandate for change. I answer to the 100 Senators who are part of this process and those in the committee. And I answer to my Lord and Savior, and my wife and my family.”
WATCH:
Pete Hegseth, the former co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend and host of Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards, saw his working relationship with Fox News end shortly after being nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Defense Department. Following the nomination, several damaging reports surfaced, including allegations of a sexual assault investigation, extramarital affairs, and work-related drinking. These revelations have raised significant concerns about whether Hegseth has enough support to secure confirmation.
But that said, dozens of former Fox News colleagues, frequent contributors, and guests have come out on the record to support Hegseth, calling the allegations against him “BS.” Also, the former Fox News star and Army combat veteran has picked up support from key senators as he works to win the advice and consent of Congress’ upper chamber.
