Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth—President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense—was criticized after he defiantly told reporters that he answers not to the American people, as one might expect, but to Trump himself.
Hegseth faces scrutiny after CNN reported that he paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault in a settlement agreement that included a confidentiality clause.
Hegseth’s attorney has denied the allegations, stating the former Army National Guard officer was never charged criminally or named in any civil lawsuit stemming from the 2017 claim. The revelation blindsided Trump’s team, as Hegseth’s nomination had already been announced.
As he continues his uphill climb to defend his nomination, Hegseth said the following to reporters on Capitol Hill:
"I'm not going to back down one bit. I'm going to answer all of these senators' questions."
“This will not be a process tried in the media. I don’t answer to anyone in this group. None of you, not to that camera at all."
“I answer to President Trump, who received 76 million votes ... and a mandate for change. I answer to the 50 — the 100 senators who are part of this process and those in the committee. And I answer to my Lord and Savior, and my wife and my family.”
You can hear what he said in the video below.
Hegseth: I don't answer to anyone in this group, none of you, not to that camera at all. I answer to President Trump.. I answer to the 50— the 100 senators who are part of this process and those in the committee.
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— Acyn (@acyn.bsky.social) December 5, 2024 at 8:35 PM
At no point did Hegseth say anything about actually serving the American people or the Constitution—so the fact he was very open about only serving Trump is peak MAGA.
He was swiftly criticized.
You would answer to the country, work for the best interest of the country, not your orange clown god. Why don't trumpers get this?
— Embeedee (@embeedee.bsky.social) December 6, 2024 at 12:32 AM
No mention of the Constitution AT ALL.
— Pete Maher (@pete-maher.bsky.social) December 6, 2024 at 1:47 PM
Basically giving the voters the finger as usual for MAGA GOP.
— Michael Banach (@m1db.bsky.social) December 6, 2024 at 12:11 PM
He can't say it any clearer. His loyalty isn't to his country or the American public he'd serve, his loyalty is to the criminal Donald Trump.
— Baseball Is My Happy Place (@baseballismyhappy.bsky.social) December 6, 2024 at 3:46 PM
I hate this ridiculous act that Republicans put on when they're asked basic and obvious questions by the press. He's nominated to take control of an agency with a $900 billion a year budget and the lives of every American soldier of the face of the earth. Answer the questions or withdraw.
— Will Not Riker (@wmc.bsky.social) December 6, 2024 at 2:34 AM
No, you answer to the ENTIRE country, whether we all voted for Trump or not. You answer to all military personnel. Please stop with citing Christ’s name. If you humbly respected him, you would bow out, as dishonoring Him.
— laura bishop (@lbblaura.bsky.social) December 5, 2024 at 10:32 PM
100% wrong. He answers to the Constitution, and to all of us.
— SarahJ (@redelvisfan.bsky.social) December 5, 2024 at 8:36 PM
Openly confirming he's a simp for an unrepetent SA and 34-count #felon. This tantrum isn't near the flex he thinks it is.
— Mike Barbre (@mikebarbre.bsky.social) December 6, 2024 at 5:23 AM
Hegseth has stated that he retains Trump’s full support, but by Tuesday evening, reports suggested the president-elect was reconsidering his choice for the prestigious role.
Sources indicate Trump is seriously contemplating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, his former primary rival, as an alternative for defense secretary. Trump has reportedly told close confidants that appointing DeSantis would be a “big story,” framing it as a way to revive DeSantis’s political standing after their contentious primary battle.
Another contender Trump has mentioned privately is Congressman Michael Waltz of Florida, who is already slated to serve as his national security adviser. Trump has noted that Waltz would likely sail through Senate confirmation. However, those familiar with Trump’s thinking believe DeSantis remains his preferred backup should he ultimately decide to pass on Hegseth.
