Embattled defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth began his second week of confirmation battles bolstered by a strong endorsement from dozens of military veterans and service members, who commended the former combat fighter for his resilience and determination to withstand what they called unfounded accusations.
The endorsement, presented as a “statement of support” from the “soldiers who served with Pete Hegseth,” was released Monday. The letter highlights the qualities of the Hegseth they knew and served alongside in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other forward operating bases around the globe.
“We come from all ranks and different experiences, but have one core thing in common: we FULLY support Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Defense,” the group wrote.
“His selfless leadership, love of his soldiers, and commitment to the country are unparalleled. And his tireless dedication to those things has never stopped and never wavered. He is the fighter we served with, and the fighter our troops need today,” the letter added.
“The support of my men is the highest honor. They are the best of the best, and why we are doing this,” Hegseth responded on the X platform.
The letter of support comes as one GOP holdout, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a combat veteran who has taken issue with Hegseth’s stance that women should not serve in ground combat roles, reversed her stance earlier this week.
“The fact that she’s willing to support me through this process means a lot,” Hegseth wrote soon after on social media. “Some of our greatest warriors, our best warriors out there, are women who serve, raise the right hand and defend this country, and love our nation,” he added.
Fox News anchor Bret Baier provided a positive update on Hegseth during a segment on Fox News on Tuesday. Baier said there’s been “growing optimism” with Trump’s team that Hegseth’s nomination is moving in the “right direction” with Republican senators.
“I think there is this growing optimism with the President-elect and his team that they are making progress and that Pete Hegseth is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Baier said.
Hegseth has been on Capitol Hill meeting with Republican senators to get their support as he fights claims of sexual misconduct and drinking too much. Hegseth has said he did nothing wrong, and dozens of former Fox News colleagues, contributors, and guests have vouched for him.
This week, Hegseth is back on Capitol Hill to try to get more support for his nomination.
Building America’s Future, a conservative nonprofit, told the Daily Caller that it is spending $500,000 on ads to support Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and urges voters to ask their senators to back the nominee.
“America needs a Defense Secretary who knows what it means to fight, and understands the price of freedom. Pete Hegseth is a patriot, a decorated combat veteran and a warrior who will stop at nothing to keep America safe,” the ad says.
“The Deep State is trying to stop 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.
