Pete Hegseth, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to head the Department of Defense, appears to have secured sufficient support for his confirmation following a significant announcement from a previously undecided senator.
Burgess Everett, the congressional bureau chief for Semafor, reported on Thursday that Senator John Curtis (R-UT) has pledged his support for Hegseth’s nomination. Curtis had been identified as a potential holdout due to unverified allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault that surfaced last month against the Trump nominee.
Although Hegseth was exonerated from the sexual assault claim following an investigation that included surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts, several Republican senators expressed their concerns regarding the allegations at that time. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) characterized the accusations against Hegseth as “serious” and indicated she might also withhold her support.
Ernst subsequently encountered significant pressure from the Trump base, with numerous Iowa Republicans suggesting they would oppose her if she chose not to back Hegseth after his confirmation hearing. Following multiple discussions with the nominee, Ernst announced on Tuesday her intention to vote in favor of his confirmation.
A confirmation for Pete Hegseth appears increasingly probable following his testimony before the Senate Homeland Security Committee earlier this week. Hegseth, a veteran of the War on Terror and a former Fox News host, faced intense scrutiny from Democratic senators during the hearing. Despite the aggressive questioning, the likelihood of his confirmation surged to over 90 percent on the popular prediction platform Polymarket shortly after the hearing concluded.
Nevertheless, some obstacles remain, as at least six Republican senators were reportedly contemplating a vote against Hegseth as of last month, according to NBC News. Senator Curtis, who was recently elected in November, was identified as one of the potential dissenting votes in the report.
Curtis did not confirm or deny the report, merely stating that he would refrain from making any endorsements until he had met with all candidates and they had undergone their confirmation hearings. With his support now confirmed as of Thursday evening, Hegseth seems poised to lead the important department and implement the proposed reforms.
With Republicans set to hold 53 seats when the new Congress is inaugurated next month, they can only afford three defections if all Democrats oppose Hegseth’s nomination.
Pete Hegseth has emerged as a primary target for Democratic attacks among the remaining Trump nominees. Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz was initially nominated for the position of attorney general but ultimately withdrew his candidacy after several Senate Republicans declined to support him.
While the other nominees are anticipated to be confirmed, Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee to head the FBI, may encounter the most substantial opposition. Patel, who has pledged to implement significant reforms within the bureau and diminish its influence in Washington D.C., was frequently mentioned by Senate Democrats during the confirmation hearing for current attorney general nominee Pam Bondi earlier this week.
Is this an individual who is suitably qualified to serve as the FBI director? Are those remarks not inappropriate? Should you not disavow them and request that he retract his statements? Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) inquired during the hearing on Wednesday. In response, Bondi stated, “Senator, I am not acquainted with all those comments. I have not engaged in discussions regarding those remarks with Mr. Patel,” but she was interrupted by Blumenthal.
“Pardon me. What I can confirm is that Mr. Patel has a background as a career prosecutor. He has also served as a career public defender, advocating for individuals. Furthermore, he possesses significant experience within the intelligence community,” she continued.
