washington — President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to head the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, returned to Capitol Hill Monday to solidify the support of Senate Republicans as he faces allegations of sexual harassment and financial mismanagement. veterans charities and excessive drinking.
Hegseth met with at least two Republican senators on Monday who expressed concerns about the allegations. In statements after the meeting, Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina both seemed more comfortable with Trump’s choice.
“As we support Pete through this process, we look forward to ensuring a fair hearing based on the truth, not anonymous sources,” Ernst said.
Graham shared similar sentiments about anonymous critics regarding the former Fox News celebrity’s conduct.
“Accusations made about the financial management and personal misconduct of veterans service organizations should only be considered by the committee if they are supported by congressional testimony and not by anonymous sources,” he said.
Hegseth has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Amid reports of his actions, several Republican senators said They found the claims, including Graham’s, “disturbing.”
Before meeting Hegseth on Monday, Ernst said she needed to hear more about his stance on women in combat and sexual assault in the military before deciding whether to support him. Ernst is a sexual assault survivor and military veteran.
She said she received assurances from Hegseth on Monday about how both would be handled if he led the Pentagon.
“I am grateful to Pete Hegseth for his responsiveness and respect for our process. Following our encouraging conversation, Pete announced that he would complete a full audit of the Department of Defense and identify senior officials who will uphold the role and value of our service members and women in accordance with quality and standards. I committed to choosing who will prioritize and strengthen my work, not quotas,” she said in a statement.
