A number of MAGA figures have been expressing their support for Pete Hegseth amid rising concerns about whether President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary is suitable for the role.
Hegseth is facing mounting pressure and the possibility that Senate Republicans may not back him in a confirmation vote as more allegations against the military veteran and former Fox News host emerge.
Hegseth, whose nomination has faced scrutiny due to what his critics consider to be a lack of necessary experience to lead the Pentagon, is reported to have been forced out of leadership positions at two veterans organizations—Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America—amid allegations of mismanagement, alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct. The 44-year-old has also been accused in a 2017 sexual assault case reported to police in Monterey, California. He denied any wrongdoing and was never charged.
Newsweek has contacted Hegseth's lawyer for comment via email outside of regular office hours.
Trump, who has already lost two top administration picks, is considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, his former Republican presidential primary rival, according to unnamed sources cited by The Wall Street Journal and Politico.
Newsweek has contacted Trump's transition team and DeSantis' office via email outside of normal office hours.
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Trump ally, said she continues to support Hegseth. "Pete Hegseth is an outstanding choice for secretary of defense. I am confident he will bolster our military and make an excellent addition to the Trump administration," Blackburn posted Monday on X, formerly Twitter.
A Trump-Vance spokesperson told Newsweek on Tuesday that the president-elect stands by Hegseth.
"The President stands firmly behind Pete as his Secretary of Defense nominee, recognizing his service to our nation and his dedication to putting America First. The Polymarket odds may fluctuate, but the President's confidence in Pete remains unwavering," the spokesperson said.
Two of Trump's picks for top administration roles have not gone the distance. Matt Gaetz, who had faced a congressional ethics investigation over multiple allegations, withdrew his nomination for attorney general. And Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister also withdrew his nomination to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration from consideration on Tuesday, citing the "gravity of this very important responsibility."
Hegseth cannot afford to lose more than three Republican senators in a confirmation vote next year, as the GOP is set to control the Senate with a 53-47 majority. He met with Republican senators on Monday to drum up support for his nomination and is expected to do so again Wednesday. Hegseth declined to answer when reporters at the Capitol asked Monday if he had an alcohol problem.
No GOP senator has openly said they would oppose Hegseth's nomination, though several have expressed uncertainty, according to CNN.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a political commentator, said he continues to back Hegseth and urged Senate Republicans to confirm him.
"If you stand with Pete Hegseth, share this and send a message to the U.S. Senate that you want them to confirm President Trump's pick to lead the Department of Defense," Kirk posted on X.
Conservative radio host Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and vocal Trump supporter, also voiced support for Hegseth. "Stand with Pete. The country needs him," Bongino wrote while sharing a picture of himself with Hegseth.
Political commentator Gunther Eagleman, a MAGA supporter, encouraged his 1.1 million X followers to show support for Hegseth.
"If you stand with Pete Hegseth, repost this and let's show the fake news that Americans want him as secretary of defense. Every GOP senator should vote to confirm his nomination," Eagleman posted.
The latest allegations against Hegseth were reported by The New Yorker based on whistleblower report and interviews with former colleagues.
Hegseth is alleged to have been intoxicated at several Concerned Veterans for America events between 2013 and 2016. One allegation claims he had to be physically restrained from joining dancers onstage at a Louisiana strip club at an event attended by colleagues.
A former employee said he was chanting "Kill all Muslims! Kill all Muslims!" while drunk at a bar in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, during official business in May 2015.
Hegseth is also reported to have financially mismanaged the Vets for Freedom organization before departing in 2012.
A source close to Hegseth denied the claims. "The idea that a veterans organization of combat veterans who'd recently transitioned out of the military would drink or have too much to drink, that's not news," the source told CBS News. "That's the entire business model of the VFW [Veterans of Foreign Wars]."
The source acknowledged that Hegseth "drank too much" in the past but added, "That's not the kind of life Pete lives right now. He has matured a lot in the past decade."
Maine Senator Susan Collins, a Republican, said there needs to be a full FBI background check to evaluate the allegations against Hegseth.
"We need to have the normal committee process of questionnaires and questionnaires about his background, and we also need to have a public hearing," Collins told CNN on Tuesday.
Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, who is undecided on Hegseth's nomination, said she plans to have a "frank and thorough conversation" with him regarding the misconduct allegations.
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