While Donald Trump remains confident in his defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, some of his allies are expressing concerns that the Fox News host may not “survive” allegations from his past, according to a report by Vanity Fair special correspondent Gabriel Sherman.
Sources within Trump’s transition team told Sherman that Hegseth failed to disclose a financial settlement he allegedly paid to a woman who accused him of rape at a Republican women’s event in 2017. “Transition members are frustrated that Hegseth failed to disclose he had paid a financial settlement,” one source said. “People are upset about the distraction. The general feeling is Pete hasn’t been honest.”
The allegations, coupled with the settlement, have reportedly prompted the transition team to consider alternative candidates for the position. “The MAGA transition team is quietly preparing a list of alternative defense secretary candidates should Trump abandon Hegseth,” another source shared, adding, “It’s becoming a real possibility.”
Despite these concerns, the Trump camp has publicly defended Hegseth. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung did not respond to Sherman’s inquiries on Tuesday but stated last week that Hegseth “has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed.” Cheung also expressed confidence in Hegseth’s confirmation, saying the Trump team looks “forward to his confirmation as United States secretary of defense.”
The controversy surrounding Hegseth has become a significant distraction for Trump’s transition efforts, according to insiders. While Hegseth has denied all allegations, his failure to disclose the settlement raises questions about transparency and vetting in the nomination process.
As the Senate prepares to evaluate Hegseth’s nomination, the shadow of these allegations looms large, with potential implications for Trump’s cabinet selections. The preparation of a backup list of nominees suggests that confidence in Hegseth’s viability may be waning within Trump’s inner circle. Whether Hegseth can navigate these challenges and secure confirmation remains uncertain, but the situation underscores the high-stakes nature of Trump’s cabinet appointments amid ongoing scrutiny.