Vice President-elect J.D. Vance expressed strong support for Pete Hegseth, a combat veteran, to lead the Department of Defense, declaring that he is “the right guy” for the position and assuring that President-elect Donald Trump remains committed to the nomination.
Vance made his comments while touring areas in western North Carolina that were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Speaking to reporters, he mentioned that he had been in discussions with several senators, including Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who had expressed concerns about Hegseth’s appointment, according to The Hill.
“Importantly, Pete Hegseth is going to get his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, not a sham hearing before the American media,” Vance said. “We believe that Pete Hegseth is the right guy to lead the Department of Defense, that’s why President Trump nominated him.”
“We’re not abandoning this nomination.”
Hegseth, a former Fox News personality who served in the Army and earned two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge during deployments in Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan, has faced significant scrutiny over allegations of misconduct. He has spent the past week meeting with GOP senators and reaffirming his determination not to withdraw from consideration.
The Hill reported Thursday that up to eight Republican senators are prepared to vote against Hegseth’s confirmation, but most are hesitant to publicly demand his resignation for fear of alienating Trump’s supporters.
“All I’m asking is that people actually allow the Senate process to work,” Vance said. “We do not determine important government officials based on anonymous sourcing from the American media.”
{Matzav.com}
