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(The Epoch Times)—House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Saturday expressed confidence in Pete Hegseth’s confirmation prospects as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, citing strong and growing support on Capitol Hill.
Speaking on “Fox & Friends Weekend“ on Dec. 7, Johnson described the momentum behind Hegseth’s bid as ”moving the right way” and defended his qualifications and character amid ongoing controversy. He emphasized Hegseth’s military background and readiness to lead the Pentagon, despite allegations of past misconduct that have raised questions about the likelihood of Senate confirmation.
“I’m optimistic about it,“ Johnson said. ”I’ve talked to a number of senators personally on the Hill just over the last couple of days and it seems like the momentum’s moving the right way.”
Johnson added: “We’ve all made mistakes in our lives, but we believe in redemption.”
Hegseth, a former Army officer and Fox News host, has faced allegations including sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, although no charges were ever filed. This past week, The New Yorker published additional claims from a whistleblower report and other documents detailing alleged incidents of intoxication at work events, inappropriate conduct toward female staffers, and financial mismanagement during Hegseth’s tenure at Concerned Veterans for America. The allegations have drawn criticism, raising questions about whether Hegseth’s confirmation in the Senate will succeed.
A number of Fox News personalities, interviewees, and other staffers have taken to social media to defend the Fox News host from some of the reported claims.
Key Senate Republicans have signaled cautious support while calling for a thorough vetting process. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Hegseth and emphasized the importance of evaluating his record. “We just need to make sure that he is thoroughly vetted and that he has his opportunity to go in front of the committee, recount his service, and rebut any allegations,” Ernst said.
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who previously expressed reservations, voiced optimism after meeting with Hegseth this week. “I see no reason at this point not to be supportive,” Cramer said, praising Hegseth’s readiness for the job. Similarly, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called the allegations “disturbing” but stressed that anonymous reports should not dictate decisions.
“If you’re not willing to raise your hand and make the accusation, it doesn’t count,” Graham said.
Trump has maintained unwavering support for Hegseth, dismissing negative coverage as “fake news.” In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump described Hegseth as a “fantastic, high-energy“ pick for the role of secretary of defense who would lead ”with charisma and skill.” The president-elect praised Hegseth’s military mindset and academic credentials, and called him a “WINNER.”
Despite the show of support, there has been media speculation that Trump’s transition team is considering alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, should Hegseth’s confirmation falter. Hegseth has dismissed such speculation and framed the scrutiny as a smear campaign aimed at derailing his nomination.
“I’m doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers,” Hegseth posted on X. “The Left is afraid of disrupters and change agents. They are afraid of [Trump] and me.”
With Republicans holding a narrow 53–47 majority in the Senate starting in January 2025, any defections could derail Hegseth’s nomination. Trump’s potential Cabinet has faced one setback, with former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), the initial nominee for attorney general, withdrawing after concerns were raised by Senate Republicans. Trump’s selection to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration also dropped out of contention.
Senate hearings for Trump’s nominees, including Hegseth, are expected to begin shortly after the president-elect’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.
Mysterious “Skyquakes” Are Causing Strange “Booms” in the Sky, and Scientists Have No Explanation
by Michael Snyder
(End of the American Dream)—What is causing the extremely loud “booms” that people are hearing in the sky all over the world? We are being told that “skyquakes” are responsible, but scientists have no idea why these “skyquakes” are occurring. In some cases, the “skyquakes” cause such powerful shaking that…
The Biggest Sale on Long-Term Storage Beef EVER
by Sponsored Post
Let’s cut to the chase. Prepper All-Naturals is offering an unprecedented 40% off for it’s “Beef Steak” survival bags with promo code “steak40”. With a 25-year shelf life and a single ingredient (beef, of course), our most popular product is available for a very limited time with the biggest discount…
Seattle Is Ordered to Stop Blocking Illegal Alien Deportations in the Most Hilarious Court Decision Ever
by PJ Media
A federal court has just pooped in the oatmeal of the West Coast, Messed Coast™governors and local election officials suffering from acute cases of Trump Derangement Syndrome who think they can stop illegal alien deportations. And after this hilarious and thorough legal takedown from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals,…
Illegal Alien Terror Suspect Found Dead in Cook County Jail Cell
by Slay News
An Islamic illegal alien has been found dead in his jail cell after being arrested on terrorism charges. According to CWBChicago, 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi was found dead at the Cook County jail in Illinois on Saturday. Abdallahi was arrested on felony terrorism and hate crime charges in October. He…
Trump’s Wild Bunch Is Ready for Action
by Frank Miele
If for no other reason than that it will elicit fear in the hearts of autocracy-phobics, I propose that Donald Trump’s second-term Cabinet be known as “The Wild Bunch.” The name is best known as the title of Sam Peckinpah’s classic 1969 western featuring a colorful cast of aging outlaws…
FAA Issues Flight Restrictions Over Questionable Drone Activity Near Trump’s Bedminster Golf Course
by Just The News
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Tuesday said that it has issued two flight restrictions on the area surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf club in New Jersey, following questionable drone activity. The drone sightings were first reported on Nov. 18, but have continued into this week, according to Fox…
Ex-FBI Agent Convicted for Stealing From Jan 6 Defendant During Raid
by Trending Politics
A former Houston-based FBI agent has been convicted of stealing valuables and cash while conducting searches. In one instance, the agent stole cash and silver bars from a non-violent January 6 defendant’s home. Nicholas Anthony Williams, 36, was indicted on January 31 in the Southern District of Texas. Williams, who…
Democrats, Media Elite Urge Biden to Pardon Trump’s Alleged ‘Enemies List’
by Breitbart
President Joe Biden should issue preemptive pardons to his political allies and those deemed to be on President-elect Donald Trump’s alleged “enemies list,” Democrats and their media allies believe. Delivering a preemptive pardon indicates an admission of guilt, although Democrats claim a preemptive pardon would only be intended to block…
Fani Willis Forced to Release All Communications With Jack Smith, J6 Committee
by Trending Politics
The Fulton County Superior Court has ruled against District Attorney Fani Willis, ordering her to disclose communications with Special Counsel Jack Smith and the House January 6 Committee. The decision, announced on Tuesday, follows a lawsuit brought by Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, which accused Willis of violating Georgia’s…
Lindsey Graham Is the Warmongering NeoCon Leading the Charge to Upend Pete Hegseth
by JD Rucker
Pete Hegseth represents a shift away from the wokeness that has infected the United States military. This is possibly the biggest reason President-Elect Donald Trump tapped him to be the next Secretary of Defense and the vast majority of Republicans on Capitol Hill can support this, at least for the…
‘Where Are Black Democrats?’: Charles Payne Tells Personal Story to Call Out ‘Huge Double Standard’ of Biden Family
by Nicole Silverio, DCNF
(DCNF)—Fox Business host Charles Payne called out the alleged “huge double standard” of President Joe Biden’s family Tuesday by revealing that his brother, who struggles with a crack addiction, is currently serving a jail sentence. Payne said his brother, who is getting out of jail on Friday, is likely one…
Zelensky Admits Ukraine Can’t Retake All Its Land: ‘We Must Seek Diplomatic Means’
by Breitbart
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conceded in an interview on Tuesday that Ukraine does not have “enough forces” to restore sovereignty over Russian-occupied Crimea and “must seek diplomatic means” to end the Russian invasion and regain its land. The state-run Ukrinform outlet reported that Zelensky described Crimea – which Russia colonized…
Ultra-Processed Foods: How Bad Are They for Your Health?
by Olivia Cook
(Natural News)—Despite the serious health risks associated with eating junk food, they remain the most consumed food products in many countries, particularly developed ones. But a review published in The BMJ, which studied 9.8 million people, warns that eating a lot of ultra-processed foods can increase your risk for 32 diseases. Among these are heart…
“Already Pretty Far Down the Line”: The Container Store Could File for Bankruptcy as Soon as Next Year
by Tyler Durden, Zero Hedge
(Zero Hedge)—As the retail apocalypse that started with Amazon and e-commerce continues, the latest victim is The Container Store. The retail giant could file for bankruptcy as soon as next year, according to the New York Post, who said the retailer is blaming its recent descent on “a weak housing…
Mysterious ‘Car-Sized Drones’ Over New Jersey Prompt FBI Investigation
by Zero Hedge
Several weeks of mysterious drone swarms over the skies of one New Jersey county near the military research and manufacturing facility Picatinny Arsenal have sparked concerns among residents and prompted an FBI investigation. “It’s kind of unsettling,” Mike Walsh, a Morris County resident who has spotted the drones on numerous…
UNESCO’s New Mission: Train Influencers About Combatting Online “Misinformation”
by Reclaim the Net
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is now incorporating teaching influencers how to “fact check” into its activities. UNESCO claims that influencers have become “primary sources of news and cultural information” around the world – which prompted it to carry out a survey into how these online personalities…
