President-elect Donald Trump expressed strong support for Pete Hegseth as his choice to lead the Defense Department, despite doubts surrounding his nomination. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran, faced questions over accusations of excessive drinking and sexual assault, as well as his views on women in combat.
Trump publicly endorsed Hegseth, calling him a “fantastic, high-energy Secretary of Defense” and expressing confidence in his confirmation. Despite the controversy, Trump’s allies are firmly backing Hegseth, with the Heritage Foundation promising $1 million to support his nomination.
Hegseth has promised not to drink on the job and denied engaging in sexual misconduct, as he faces scrutiny over his views on female troops. Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama endorsed Hegseth, while Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a sexual assault survivor, stopped short of giving her support.
In addition to Hegseth’s nomination, Trump selected former Senator David Perdue as the U.S. ambassador to China. Perdue, a former business executive turned politician, has advocated for a more robust naval force to counter threats from China.
Trump also nominated former Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott to head Customs and Border Protection, and Caleb Vitello to act as director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Additionally, Trump named Brandon Judd, head of the Border Patrol Union, as ambassador to Chile.
If confirmed, these nominees will play crucial roles in shaping U.S. foreign policy and immigration enforcement under the incoming administration. Despite controversies and challenges, Trump and his team remain steadfast in their support for their chosen candidates.
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