Amid allegations of sexual abuse and alcohol misuse that have put his nomination in jeopardy, Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's Pentagon pick, received a warm reception from House GOP members at the Republican Study Committee on Wednesday. Despite facing challenges, Hegseth engaged in a lunch meeting with dozens of Republican lawmakers to discuss his confirmation.
During the meeting, GOP Rep. Max Miller expressed his support for Hegseth, stating that the majority of the Republican Conference in the House of Representatives already backs him. Miller described Hegseth as 'very competent' and highlighted that the nominee addressed the allegations in general terms, emphasizing their falsity and drawing parallels to past controversies.
Lawmakers in attendance did not pose significant questions but offered words of encouragement and sought insights into Hegseth's Pentagon priorities. The nominee reportedly emphasized his commitment to the role and indicated that he has no plans to withdraw from consideration.
One notable point raised during the meeting was Trump's directive for the Pentagon to focus on warfighting and eliminate what he termed 'woke ideology,' including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Hegseth's alignment with this vision resonated with Republican members, who expressed their willingness to support him in the Senate confirmation process.
Overall, the lunch meeting served as a platform for Hegseth to garner backing from House Republicans and reaffirm his dedication to the responsibilities of the Pentagon role. Despite the challenges he faces, the nominee remains steadfast in his commitment to serving in the position.
