Pete Hegseth Gets Life-Changing News
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense, and it appears that his confirmation is now likely following a key endorsement from a previously undecided senator.
Burgess Everett, congressional bureau chief for Semafor, reported Thursday that Senator John Curtis (R-UT) has announced his support for Hegseth. This decision marks a significant shift, as Curtis was previously considered a potential opponent due to allegations of sexual assault and heavy drinking made against Hegseth last month. The accusations, based on anonymous and unverified claims, were investigated and dismissed after security footage and eyewitness testimony exonerated Hegseth.
At the time, some Republican senators voiced concerns about the allegations. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) called the charges “serious” and hinted she might withhold her support. In response, Trump allies mounted a vigorous lobbying effort to secure Ernst’s backing, with Iowa Republicans warning of potential political repercussions if she opposed Hegseth. After multiple meetings with the nominee, Ernst confirmed her intention to vote in favor of his confirmation earlier this week.
Hegseth, a veteran of the War on Terror and former Fox News contributor, testified before the Senate Homeland Security Committee earlier this week. During the hearing, Democratic senators criticized him harshly, but their attacks appear to have had little impact on his prospects. The prediction platform Polymarket reported a surge in confidence for Hegseth’s confirmation following the hearing, with his chances surpassing 90 percent.
Despite this momentum, NBC News reported last month that up to six Republican senators were considering opposing Hegseth, including Senator Curtis. At the time, Curtis stated he would reserve judgment until he had the opportunity to meet with all nominees and evaluate their confirmation hearings. With Curtis’s endorsement now confirmed, Hegseth seems poised to assume the top position at the Pentagon and implement the reforms proposed by the Trump administration.
Republicans will hold 53 seats in the Senate in the upcoming Congress, meaning they can afford only three defections if all Democrats oppose Hegseth’s confirmation.
Of Trump’s Cabinet nominees, Hegseth faced some of the most intense scrutiny. Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general after failing to gain support from key Republican senators.
Another nominee who could face significant opposition is Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead the FBI. Patel has pledged to enact sweeping reforms, including dismantling key power structures within the FBI in Washington, D.C. During attorney general nominee Pam Bondi’s confirmation hearing, Democratic senators raised concerns about Patel’s comments.
“Is that a person who, appropriately, should be the FBI director? Aren’t those comments inappropriate? Shouldn’t you disavow them and ask him to recant them?” Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) asked during the hearing.
Bondi defended Patel, stating, “Senator, I am not familiar with all those comments. I have not discussed those comments with Mr. Patel.” She added, “What I do know is Mr. Patel was a career prosecutor. He was a career public defender, defending people. And he also has great experience within the intelligence community.”
As the confirmation process continues, Trump’s nominees face varying levels of resistance, but the endorsement of key senators suggests Hegseth’s path to confirmation is increasingly clear.