As the Senate starts its confirmation process for President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees, it’s clear there’s plenty of drama in the air. On one hand, we have Senate Democrats going after some of Trump’s picks—especially his choice for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth. On the other, Republicans are rallying behind their man, insisting that Hegseth is the right fit for the job.
A source close to Trump shared some optimism, saying everyone feels confident as Inauguration Day nears. “Everyone seems to be optimistic,” the source added, highlighting the mood among the president-elect’s team.
A Rocky Start for Pete Hegseth
On Tuesday, during a hearing on Hegseth’s nomination, things got intense. The 41-year-old veteran’s resume isn’t your typical Pentagon candidate. He left the National Guard as a mid-level officer, and his personal life has drawn some controversy. There were accusations of sexual assault (which he denies), alcohol issues, and mishandling the veterans’ groups he led.
Despite all that, some Republicans left the hearing feeling like Hegseth had actually made a strong case for himself. “I think he helped himself immensely,” said Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chair of the Armed Services Committee.
A Big Showdown with Democrats
But Democrats weren’t convinced. They took aim at Hegseth’s lack of high-level management experience and dug deep into his past, bringing up his personal life and even questioning his qualifications for leading the Pentagon. “You’re not qualified, Mr. Hegseth,” Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., bluntly told him.
The exchange grew heated when Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., challenged Hegseth over allegations against him, including a letter his own mother wrote criticizing his treatment of women. Despite it all, Hegseth didn’t back down, denying the allegations and calling them part of a “coordinated smear campaign.”
Republicans Rally Around Hegseth
While the Democrats hammered Hegseth, Republicans had his back. Senator Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., blasted Democrats for being hypocritical, pointing out their own faults when it came to accusations of misconduct. “It is so ridiculous that you guys hold yourself as this higher standard,” he said, taking aim at Senate Democrats.
Even former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer weighed in, claiming the Democrats’ tough questioning had backfired.
A Key Turnaround from Senator Ernst
Perhaps the biggest surprise came from Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. A military veteran and sexual assault survivor herself, Ernst had once been critical of Hegseth but changed her tune after getting some solid commitments from him. She received assurances from Hegseth that he would support women in combat and prioritize efforts to combat sexual assault in the military.
Ernst later told a local radio host that she would be supporting Hegseth’s nomination. This was a major win for the nominee, especially with conservative pressure mounting to get his confirmation through.
Trump Allies Push Back with Full Force
Trump’s allies, including conservative groups, have been working overtime to pressure Senate Republicans into backing Hegseth and other controversial nominees. Mike Davis, founder of The Article III Project, proudly shared how his team helped Hegseth go from “dead on arrival” to a strong contender for the role.
“We gave the Senate an attitude adjustment,” Davis said, adding that they made over 30,000 calls to senators. The group is also working hard to support other controversial Trump picks, like Kash Patel for the FBI and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health Secretary.
Confidence in the Final Outcome
Despite all the drama and controversy, many—including Senate Majority Leader John Thune—believe Hegseth will be confirmed. Thune praised Hegseth for handling the allegations against him well, saying he made a strong case for why he should be the next Secretary of Defense.
With more confirmation hearings lined up this week for other key roles, the battle is far from over. But one thing’s for sure: Trump’s team is making a major push, and they’re not backing down. Stay tuned as the confirmation process continues to unfold!
