Special Poll
Pete Hegseth Faces Intensifying Scrutiny from GOP Senators Amid Allegations
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s contentious nominee for Secretary of Defense, is facing increased scrutiny from Republican senators following new allegations of past alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct that emerged over the weekend.
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina expressed his concerns, stating, “Some of these articles are very disturbing. He obviously has a chance to defend himself here, but some of this stuff is going to be difficult.”
Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Joni Ernst of Iowa, both considered undecided on Hegseth’s nomination, remained noncommittal. Collins emphasized the need for a thorough review, saying, “We need an FBI background check to evaluate the allegations, we need to have the normal committee process of questionnaires about his background, and we also need to have a public hearing.” Ernst plans to meet with Hegseth later this week to have a frank and comprehensive discussion.
In an effort to rally support, Hegseth is scheduled to meet with the House Republican Study Committee. While House members do not vote on his nomination, their backing could influence GOP senators.
Reports suggest that at least six senators are uncomfortable supporting Hegseth at this time. Despite this, some senators have come to his defense, including Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming. Lummis remarked, “Are soldiers sometimes wild? Yes, that can happen, but it is very clear that this guy is the one who, at a time when Americans were losing confidence in their own military and our ability to project strength around the world, Pete Hegseth is the answer to that concern.”
Hegseth returned to Capitol Hill with his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, for his third round of meetings with senators. He told reporters, “I appreciate the opportunity to meet with senators. It’s a great chance to hear their thoughts in their advise and consent role, and I welcome and continue that.”
The New York Times reported that in 2018, Hegseth’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, accused him of abusing women in an email during his divorce from his second wife after he fathered a child with Rauchet. The Trump team criticized the publication of the email as “despicable,” and Penelope Hegseth later apologized for her remarks.
Further allegations from The New Yorker suggest that Hegseth was forced to resign from two nonprofit advocacy groups he led due to mismanagement of funds, sexual impropriety, and excessive drinking. NBC News reported that his colleagues at Fox News were concerned about his drinking habits.
Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed his growing concerns, stating, “There’s more evidence by the day that he seems to be unfit to be Secretary of Defense.” He added that individuals have approached his office claiming to have additional information.
When questioned about the allegations of intoxicated behavior and sexual impropriety, Hegseth declined to respond. He has also faced a sexual assault allegation from a 2017 incident at a Republican event in California, which he claims was consensual.
Despite the mounting allegations, some senators, including Ted Budd of North Carolina and Eric Schmitt of Missouri, both members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, have expressed support for Hegseth, citing his decorated military service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In an opinion piece, Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama voiced strong support for Hegseth, describing him as someone who is “not beholden to the Military Industrial Complex” and would “clean up” the Department of Defense.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas downplayed the allegations, saying, “That would not be novel in Washington, D.C.,” referring to both the mistreatment of women and excessive drinking.
President-elect Trump’s senior adviser, Jason Miller, dismissed concerns about Hegseth, stating that “there aren’t any concerns” with his nomination.