Pete Hegseth has enough votes to become nation’s Secretary of Defense, top Republican tells Trump
The IndependentSign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told Trump that the former Fox News host has the required number of votes to survive the confirmation process, CBS News reported, citing three sources. And, you know, we don’t know all the information about some of these nominees.” open image in gallery Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Defense Secretary raised eyebrows in Washington, though he has held on thus far ahead of his being sworn in as head of the Pentagon on January 15. When asked to confirm the reports, a spokesperson from Hegseth told CBS News: “Two things we don’t discuss publicly: Whip counts and private conversations with the president.” Scrutiny over the appointment of Hegseth comes amid allegations of sexual misconduct against the former marine by an anonymous woman, who has accused him of sexual assault in a California hotel room back in 2017. open image in gallery Senate Majority leader John Thune reportedly reassured the President-elect that Hegseth would survive the confirmation process Senate Republicans have warned that Hegseth is likely to face a frenzy of uncomfortable questions about the sexual misconduct allegations as well as claims against him of excessive drinking and financial mismanagement.