Senate Republicans Rally Behind Trump’s Pentagon Pick Amid Controversies
By Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves, and Kevin Freking
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill are showing support for Pete Hegseth, his nominee for the Pentagon, despite resurfacing allegations of sexual assault from 2017. Concurrently, fellow nominee Matt Gaetz withdrew his candidacy for attorney general, citing concerns that he had become a "distraction" amid an ongoing ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
The withdrawal of Gaetz, who faced accusations of paying women for sex during his time as a Florida congressman, prompted Republican senators to privately express their unease about his nomination. Some, like Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, welcomed Gaetz’s exit as a positive development, while others, including Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, remained optimistic about Hegseth’s prospects.
As Republican leadership emphasizes a swift confirmation process for Trump’s Cabinet, there remains pressure for adequate vetting of nominees. Hegseth has attempted to mitigate concerns surrounding the allegations against him, stating, “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared.” His attorney asserted that the claims were unfounded and noted a confidential settlement with the accuser made in 2023.
Despite allegations of sexual misconduct being a recurring concern within the military, some senators, including Tennessee’s Bill Hagerty, downplayed the severity of the claims against Hegseth, describing them as “he-said, she-said” scenarios. The party remains poised to push through confirmations, with the Senate Armed Services Committee expected to hold hearings after Trump’s inauguration.
Democrats, led by incoming Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed, argue for thorough investigations into nominees’ backgrounds. The political landscape suggests that a simple majority in the Senate will be crucial as Trump aims to consolidate his Cabinet, while Republican senators assert their constitutional duty to review nominations carefully.
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