GOP Senators: Hegseth Nomination in 'Pretty Good Shape'
SUMMARY
Republican senators are confident in confirming Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), incoming chair of the Armed Services Committee, stated after a meeting with Hegseth, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and GOP committee members that the nomination is in "pretty good shape." Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) addressed concerns about a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth, saying he "can explain all the situations" and predicted he would "be just fine." The incident involved a California woman who accused Hegseth of assault during a Republican event. Hegseth insists the encounter was consensual and emphasized, "The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared." Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the incoming Senate Majority Whip, praised Hegseth as a "strong nominee," highlighting his focus on "strength and hard power" over "woke political agendas."
