‘As Long As Donald Trump Wants Me’: Hegseth Vows To Stay As Trump’s Defense Nominee Amid Challenges

Despite doubts among some about his chances, Pete Hegseth said Thursday he intends to stay on as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of Defense.

Hegseth told reporters he has no plans to withdraw his nomination, according to Politico. He’s defended himself against numerous accusations. Hegseth was the subject of a 2017 investigation into claims he sexually assaulted a woman, though no charges were ever filed.

“As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I’m going to be standing right here in this fight,” Hegseth told reporters.

Throughout the week, Hegseth engaged with senators in an effort to secure his position as Trump’s nominee. He met senators who were both skeptical and supportive. Hegseth’s attorney addressed misconduct allegations, while his mother publicly defended him on Fox News. Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, however, said she doubts his overall fitness for the job.

Ernst said this after meeting with Hegseth on Wednesday. According to Politico, she chose not to meet with him again. Instead, Hegseth convened with other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, mainly Republican senators. They include Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Senator-elect Jim Banks of Indiana — all of whom seemed favorably inclined toward Trump’s cabinet choices.

Rounds, after his meeting, said Hegseth still has significant work to do to win the Senate’s approval. “I really do see a path forward for him to be successful in being accepted by the Senate for this position, but he’s got more work to do,” Rounds said.