President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial nominees, Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard, sought Senate support amid uncertainty over securing the required Republican backing for confirmation.
Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and Trump’s pick for secretary of Defense, met with Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran and key figure in his confirmation. Ernst’s statement suggested cautious support, noting Hegseth’s commitment to completing a Pentagon audit and addressing military sexual assault. “As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources,” Ernst said. Hegseth faces allegations of misconduct, including sexual assault, which he denies. Trump remains confident in Hegseth’s confirmation, but with a slim Republican Senate majority, his path is narrow.
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic representative and Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, also faced scrutiny. Questions about her lack of intelligence experience and perceived softness on Russia resurfaced following the sudden fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, highlighting her controversial 2017 visit to Damascus. Gabbard’s critics worry about the politicization of the intelligence community, while supporters praise her skepticism of U.S. military involvement. After meeting her, Senator Mike Rounds expressed cautious optimism, suggesting a “path forward” for her confirmation.
Both nominees underscore Trump’s unpredictable approach to appointments, sparking partisan debates as Republicans navigate a slim Senate majority.
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