Embattled Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth entered his second week of contentious confirmation hearings bolstered by a resounding endorsement from dozens of military veterans and service members. The group, composed of soldiers who served alongside Hegseth in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, released a statement Monday highlighting his unwavering leadership and commitment to the nation.
Veterans’ Strong Endorsement
The statement of support, titled “Soldiers Who Served with Pete Hegseth,” praised Hegseth’s resilience and leadership qualities, urging the Senate to confirm him for the crucial post:
“We come from all ranks and different experiences but have one core thing in common: we FULLY support Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Defense.”
The letter emphasized Hegseth’s “selfless leadership, love of his soldiers, and commitment to the country,” calling him the fighter troops need today.
Hegseth responded to the endorsement on social media platform X, writing:
“The support of my men is the highest honor. They are the best of the best, and why we are doing this.”
GOP Support Grows
The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for Hegseth. Earlier this week, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a combat veteran and former critic of Hegseth’s views on women in combat roles, reversed her stance. Ernst’s support marked a turning point in Hegseth’s uphill confirmation battle.
In response, Hegseth praised female warriors, acknowledging their integral role in modern combat:
“Some of our greatest warriors, our best warriors out there, are women who serve, raise the right hand, and defend this country.”
Fox News anchor Bret Baier reported on Tuesday that optimism surrounding Hegseth’s confirmation is growing within President-elect Trump’s team, citing momentum with Republican senators.
“There is this growing optimism… that Pete Hegseth is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Baier noted.
Battling Accusations and Rallying Support
Amid allegations of misconduct and excessive drinking, Hegseth has remained steadfast, denying all claims. Supporters, including dozens of former Fox News colleagues and conservative allies, have publicly vouched for his character and fitness for the role.
Conservative nonprofit Building America’s Future has amplified Hegseth’s fight with a $500,000 ad campaign urging voters to pressure their senators into supporting his nomination.
The campaign ad declares:
“America needs a Defense Secretary who knows what it means to fight and understands the price of freedom. Pete Hegseth is a patriot, a decorated combat veteran, and a warrior who will stop at nothing to keep America safe.”
The ad also points fingers at resistance within the establishment, stating:
“The Deep State is trying to stop his nomination, but Pete isn’t backing down.”
The Road Ahead
As Hegseth continues meeting with Republican senators on Capitol Hill, momentum appears to be building. While challenges remain, his support from military veterans, key GOP lawmakers, and conservative advocacy groups underscores his growing path toward confirmation.
With the stakes high, Hegseth remains focused on earning the Senate’s approval to take on the role of Defense Secretary and fulfill his commitment to safeguarding America’s freedom.
