Despite doubts among some about his chances, Pete Hegseth said Thursday he intends to stay on as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of Defense.
Hegseth told reporters he has no plans to withdraw his nomination, according to Politico. He’s defended himself against numerous accusations. Hegseth was the subject of a 2017 investigation into claims he sexually assaulted a woman, though no charges were ever filed.
“As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I’m going to be standing right here in this fight,” Hegseth told reporters.
Throughout the week, Hegseth engaged with senators in an effort to secure his position as Trump’s nominee. He met senators who were both skeptical and supportive. Hegseth’s attorney addressed misconduct allegations, while his mother publicly defended him on Fox News. Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, however, said she…
