Trump's Defense pick faces tough road as backup candidates emerge
Trumpʼs nominee for Defense Secretary meets key-senators while dealing with personal-life questions. Alternative candidates appear as Republican leaders express doubts about the ex-Fox hostʼs past
Pete Hegsethʼs path to Pentagon leadership hit rough waters as he met with GOP senators on Dec 4th; his nomination faces tough questions about past actions (which include workplace behavior and financial dealings)
Im doing this for the warfighters‚ not the warmongers
The ex-Fox News hostʼs bid got more complex when Ron DeSantis emerged as a potential backup choice - theyʼve already discussed the position. Meanwhile Mike Waltz and Joni Ernst names also float around as possible alternatives
- Matt Gaetz dropped his attorney general bid bout a month ago
- Chad Chronister stepped back from DEA position just yesterday
- Trump later posted that he actually removed Chronister himself
Key-senators scheduled crucial meetings: John Thune‚ whoʼll lead next years 53-47 majority; Roger Wicker‚ upcoming Armed Services Committee chair; and Joni Ernst‚ whose military background makes her opinion extra important
The nominees past raises eyebrows: a 2017 assault claim ended in private settlement; co-workers at Fox noticed alcohol-related issues; and theres documentation about his leadership of two non-profit groups that ended poorly. Lisa Murkowski mentioned having “real concerns“ about recent revelations
Lindsey Graham‚ a close Trump ally called these claims “very disturbing“ while the transition team hasnt responded to questions about whats next for this nomination
