Pete Hegseth says he had ‘basic conversations’ with Joni Ernst as Trump signaled support.

President-elect Trump expressed public support for war-torn people. Defense Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth On Friday, and the nominee said that his sen. There have been “basic discussions” with Joni Ernst.

Hegseth is a former National Guard officer. Meeting with Republican Senators A rally of support will be held this week as allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking have emerged. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Ernst has not committed to voting for Hegseth.

“Pete seems to be doing well now,” Trump told Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press” on Friday. “I mean, people were a little concerned. He’s a young guy with a great track record, actually. Went to Princeton, went to Harvard, he was a good student at both, but he loves the military. And I think As people are starting to see it, we will work with many others to get it nominated.”

After meeting with senators, Pat Hegsett says he’ll be ‘standing right here in this fight’

Trump confirmed that he still has confidence in Hegseth.

Trump said he is a very intelligent man. “I know him through Fox, but I’ve known him for a long time. I mean, he’s basically a military guy. I mean every time I talk to him, he just talks about the military. wants to talk.”

Trump said that while he had not been assured by senators that his nomination would be confirmed, he was confident he would get it.

“I’ve had a lot of senators call me saying he’s fantastic,” Trump said.

Asked about Welker’s allegations of excessive drinking, Trump said, “Well, I’ve talked to people who know him well, and they say he’s been drinking. Not a problem.”

The incoming White House press secretary addressed Trump’s support of Hegseth

Trump endorsed Hegseth on Truth Social on Friday, writing, “Pete Hegseth is doing a great job. His support is strong and deep. He was a great student – Princeton/Harvard educated – military background.” He will be a fantastic, high-energy, defense secretary who leads with charisma and skill, and nothing can be done to replace that.”

Hegseth wrote on his X account on Friday: “I just had another important conversation with Senator Ernst, I appreciate his sincere commitment to defense policy, and I look forward to meeting with him again next week. ”

Ernst also called their meeting “constructive” on his account, adding that the two have plans. meet again next week.

“Pat Hegseth and I will continue our constructive discussions as we move forward together in this process. We plan to meet again next week. At the very least, we agree that he should have a fair hearing.” Our fighters deserve an opportunity to present their point of view,” he said.

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance also told reporters Friday that Hegseth had the full support of the incoming administration and would not face “betrayal to the American media.”

Trump has floated Descente as a possible defense secretary replacement if Hagseth fails

“Pete Hegseth is going to have his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, not an embarrassing hearing in front of the American media,” Vance told reporters in North Carolina. He is the right man. That’s why Trump nominated him. We are not abandoning this nomination.

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“I fully support Pete. I think Pete will be confirmed, and we’re fully behind him. I’ve spoken to Jonny. [Ernst]. I have spoken to several of my colleagues about this and other nominations. All I’m asking is that people actually let the Senate nomination process work. We do not identify key government officials based on anonymous sources from the US media.”