Trump still backs Hegseth as nomination doubts remain; Musk and Ramaswamy talk DOGE plans on Capitol Hill: Live

✕ Close Pete Hegseth ‘can’t’ be defense secretary, says Newsmax host

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Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, former Fox News weekend anchor Pete Hegseth, continues to be dogged by allegations about his past, leaving prospects for his confirmation hanging in the balance.

Hegseth took questions from the House Republican Study Committee on Wednesday, met with senators, and promised incoming Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker that, if confirmed, he wouldn’t drink.

His mother Penelope appeared on his former network earlier in the day to defend him, having previously criticized her son’s behavior towards women in a letter.

The future of Hegseth’s nomination appears to depend on Senate Republican women, and Trump’s transition team is reportedly considering alternatives to lead the Pentagon, including Senator Joni Ernst and, more surprisingly, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are on Capitol Hill today, meeting with congressional Republicans about policy plans for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to slash spending at the federal level.

At the meeting, Sen. Ernst is expected to present a 60-page report proposing an end to remote working for federal workers, consolidation of office space, and the relocation of government departments out of Washington, DC.