Hegseth Gains More Support
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has announced his support for Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, signaling a major boost to Hegseth’s chances of securing the position.
In a statement, Cassidy praised Hegseth for his qualifications, emphasizing the nominee’s strong academic background, military experience, and impressive performance during his Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. “Pete Hegseth has shown the kind of leadership and commitment that will serve our military well,” Cassidy remarked. “He has the right experience and a proven track record, and I believe he will surround himself with a capable team to advance America’s defense priorities.”
Hegseth, a former Fox News contributor and U.S. Army veteran, recently appeared before the Senate committee, where he was questioned by Democrats on issues ranging from personal controversies to his stance on women in combat. Despite the intense scrutiny, Hegseth denied the accusations and maintained a composed and professional demeanor throughout the hearing.
Republican members of the committee were quick to defend Hegseth, with many expressing confidence in his qualifications and leadership. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), previously considered a swing vote, made it clear that she would vote to confirm Hegseth, citing his strong commitment to national security.
Senator John Curtis (R-Utah), a freshman lawmaker, also voiced his support, acknowledging that while Hegseth’s past actions raised concerns, his overall qualifications and vision for the military outweighed those issues. Curtis emphasized that Hegseth shares a commitment to ensuring the U.S. military remains ready to face the evolving threats of the 21st century.
As it stands, Democrats would need to sway at least one Republican senator on the Armed Services Committee to block Hegseth’s confirmation. However, with no GOP senator yet opposing the nominee, it appears Hegseth’s confirmation is increasingly likely. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has stated that if the committee approves Hegseth, the Senate will move swiftly to confirm him.
