Bret Baier Provides Positive Update on Pete Hegseth’s Nomination

Fox News anchor Bret Baier shared an encouraging update regarding Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense.

During a Fox News segment, Baier remarked on the “growing optimism” within Trump’s camp, noting that Hegseth’s nomination appears to be heading in the “right direction” among Republican senators.

“There seems to be growing optimism with the President-elect and his team that progress is being made and that Pete Hegseth is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Baier stated.

Hegseth has been actively meeting with Republican senators on Capitol Hill to rally support for his confirmation while addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. He has firmly denied all accusations.

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This week, Hegseth returned to Capitol Hill, continuing efforts to secure more backing for his nomination.

Building America’s Future, a conservative nonprofit organization, announced it is spending $500,000 on advertising to bolster support for Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, encouraging voters to urge their senators to endorse him.

“America needs a Defense Secretary who knows what it means to fight and understands the cost of freedom. Pete Hegseth is a patriot, a decorated combat veteran, and a warrior committed to keeping America safe,” the ad declares.

“The Deep State is working to block his nomination, but Pete isn’t backing down. Call your senator today and urge them to confirm Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense,” the ad continues.

Hegseth, for his part, is standing firm.

In comments to reporters on Capitol Hill, Hegseth reiterated his loyalty to Trump, the Senate, his wife, and his faith in Jesus Christ.

Hegseth has faced longstanding allegations of misconduct and drinking but has categorically rejected the claims. However, some lawmakers, such as Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), have expressed reservations about his confirmation.

Following private discussions with senators, Hegseth addressed the press, emphasizing that his accountability rests with Trump, the Senate, and his faith.

When asked by a reporter about issues related to alcohol, Hegseth responded, “We’ve had great conversations about who I am and what I believe. And frankly, the man I am today is because of my faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my incredible wife, Jenny, right here. I’m a different man than I was years ago. And that’s a redemption story that I think a lot of Americans appreciate. And I know from fellow vets that I’ve spent time with, they resonate with that as well. You fight. You go do tough things in tough places on behalf of your country. And sometimes that changes you a little bit.”

He continued, “By the grace of God and my Lord and Savior, I had an opportunity to rise above it and accomplish meaningful things with veterans’ organizations, advocating for reforms at the VA and warfighters, and at Fox News Channel, supporting those same causes. I’m proud of what I’ve stood for, and I won’t back down.”

Hegseth further asserted, “I will answer all of these senators’ questions. But this process will not be decided by the media. I don’t answer to anyone in this group. Not to that camera, not at all. I answer to President Trump, who received 76 million votes and a mandate for change. I answer to the 100 senators involved in this process and those in the committee. And I answer to my Lord and Savior, my wife, and my family. As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I’ll be right here, committed to bringing our Pentagon back to where it needs to be.”