Amid Capitol Hill meetings, the Trump transition releases a hype video featuring Hegseth's exceptional qualifications.

Donald Trump, the newly-elected president, appointed Pete Hegseth to head the Department of Defense.

Amid Capitol Hill meetings, the Trump transition releases a hype video featuring Hegseth's exceptional qualifications.
Amid Capitol Hill meetings, the Trump transition releases a hype video featuring Hegseth's exceptional qualifications.

According to a report by Planet Chronicle, the transition team for President-elect Donald Trump is highlighting the backing of several Republican senators for Pete Hegseth, who Trump has appointed to head the Department of Defense (DOD) in 2025.

In a new video, Hegseth received praise from Republican senators for his abilities, as he and Trump advocate for him to become the new Secretary of Defense.

While Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., described Hegseth as "perfect" for the role, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., predicted he would be "great."

Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Defense secretary, makes his way to a meeting with Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., in the Russell building on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Tom Williams)

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., vowed to do everything in his power to ensure the confirmation of Secretary of Defense.

President Trump was re-elected by a significant margin, allowing him to fulfill his campaign promises and his Cabinet appointments demonstrate his dedication to putting America first, according to Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the Trump-Vance transition team.

"Pete Hegseth is a highly qualified and educated patriot who has devoted his life to advocating for our troops and veterans. With extensive military experience and a steadfast commitment to restoring the Pentagon and our armed forces to greatness, Mr. Hegseth will advance President Trump's vision of returning meritocracy, accountability, and efficiency to the United States military."

Department of Defense
The seal of the Department of Defense is seen on the podium at the Pentagon on Sept. 27, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

As Hegseth continues to meet with Republican senators on Capitol Hill, he is also facing scrutiny over accusations of sexual assault, drinking, and potential mismanagement of funds at a veterans nonprofit. Despite these allegations, Hegseth has denied all charges that emerged after Trump announced him as his pick for DOD secretary.

Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth is an Army combat veteran. (Tom Williams)

On Monday, Hegseth had a second meeting with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, after their first meeting did not convince her to support him. Following their discussion, the senator stated, "I support Pete through this process and look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources."

Joni Ernst
Sen. Joni Ernst and Pete Hegseth had a second meeting on Monday. ( Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

During her interview with Planet Chronicle host Bill Hemmer, Ernst revealed that her initial meeting with Hegseth had not fully convinced her to support him.

Over a 10-year period, Hegseth worked at Planet Chronicle as a political commentator and weekend host. He is an Army combat veteran who is decorated with two Bronze Stars. He served for nearly 20 years, completing tours in Guantánamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

by Julia Johnson

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