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President-elect Donald Trump confirmed his full support for his Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth in a social media post Friday morning, shutting down public speculation that he may be considering replacing Hegseth with another nominee.
Hegseth, 44, a former Army National Guard officer, served at Guantánamo Bay and in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also a graduate of both Princeton and Harvard universities, and has worked as a Fox News co-host for the past 10 years.
During his military career, Hegseth received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and two Army Commendation Medals.
After Trump nominated Hegseth to serve as Defense Secretary, he has been hit with multiple smears about his past, including allegations about his relationships with women. He is currently married to his third wife, and has 7 children.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Trump was considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron Desantis.
However, Trump does not appear to be giving up on Hegseth.
“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe,” Trump wrote.
“He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump added in his statement.
Vice president-elect, Sen. JD Vance, also weighed in.
“Led by President Trump, we’re fighting for Pete Hegseth. And we’re doing so because Pete Hegseth wil fight for our troops. For too long, the Pentagon has been led by people who lose wars. Pete Hegseth is a man who fought in those wars. We’ve got his back,” Vance wrote.
Led by President Trump, we’re fighting for Pete Hegseth. And we’re doing so because Pete Hegseth wil fight for our troops.
For too long, the Pentagon has been led by people who lose wars. Pete Hegseth is a man who fought in those wars.
We’ve got his back. pic.twitter.com/6n57SSQQ5X
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 6, 2024
On Thursday, Hegseth’s father, Brian Hegseth, slammed the Washington Post for their negative reporting on his son’s nomination.
“Just walked into @PeteHegseth home office to take quick pick of one of his Bronze Star awards. Read the citation and tell us again how little these mean @wapo. Led a platoon in war for the 101st Airborne (Iraq) with distinction. At least the author served…any bronze stars?” Brian Hegseth wrote.
Just walked into @PeteHegseth home office to take quick pick of one of his Bronze Star awards. Read the citation and tell us again how little these mean @wapo . Led a platoon in war for the 101st Airborne (Iraq) with distinction. At least the author served…any bronze stars? https://t.co/ms1HLfCDEf pic.twitter.com/itehwlmulx
— Brian Hegseth (@BrianHegseth) December 6, 2024
The Washington Post had dismissively mocked Hegseth’s Bronze Star award in a report Thursday evening.
The Democrats are now trying to diminish @PeteHegseth’s military service.
Republicans must stand with Pete against these disgraceful attacks! So wrong! https://t.co/xavWkhbVyQ
— Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸 (@alexbruesewitz) December 6, 2024
Hegseth spoke to the reporters on Thursday, and confirmed he is not backing down.
🔥 @PeteHegseth: “You go do tough things in tough places on behalf of your country and sometimes that changes you a little bit — and by the grace of God, my Lord and Savior, I had an opportunity to come on up out of it … I’m not going to back down.” pic.twitter.com/9jUgM5EoaP
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 5, 2024
“Pete Hegseth is going to get his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, not a sham hearing before the American media. We believe Pete Hegseth is the right guy to lead the Department of Defense. We’re not abandoning this nomination,” Vance vowed on Friday.
.@JDVance: “Pete Hegseth is going to get his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, not a sham hearing before the American media. We believe Pete Hegseth is the right guy to lead the Department of Defense.” pic.twitter.com/plAoFGyDzu
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 6, 2024
General Mike Flynn spoke up, as he urged, “We need tough leaders for the tough times we face in the months ahead. Confirm @PeteHegseth.”
We need tough leaders for the tough times we face in the months ahead.
Confirm @PeteHegseth https://t.co/04Gag7ksYY
— General Mike Flynn (@GenFlynn) December 5, 2024
WATCH: Hegseth responds to reporter’s question, releases statement amid media attacks
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