Hegseth says Trump told him to "keep fighting"
Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, said he spoke to the president-elect earlier this morning who encouraged him to continue “fighting” as he faces an uphill battle to be confirmed to the role in the Senate.
Hegseth told CBS News as he arrived at the US Capitol for meetings with senators on Wednesday that Trump told him he’s continuing to support his nomination. Hegseth also said he has no plans to withdraw his nomination as some Republican senators have signaled concern over his fitness for the top Pentagon role amid allegations of sexual assault and mistreatment of women.
When asked about reports that Trump is considering replacing his nomination of Hegseth with someone else, potentially Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Hegseth shared details about his conversation with Trump.
“I spoke to the president-elect this morning,” Hegseth said as he arrived at the Capitol. “He said, ‘Keep going, keep fighting, behind you all the way.’”
“Why would I back down? I’ve always been a fighter. I’m here for the war fighters. This is a personal passion for me,” he added.
When asked if he planned to withdraw his nomination, Hegseth pointed to his planned meetings about his nomination with Republican senators today.
“We’re meeting all day with senators,” he said.
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