Hegseth likely to be confirmed as new defense secretary

Pete Hegseth earned another key vote for his confirmation as President-elect TrumpThe Secretary of Defense.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said Friday he will vote to confirm Hegseth, an Army combat veteran whose nomination was in doubt because of his comments questioning the role of women in the military, allegations of sexual misconduct, as well as allegations that he drank alcohol while working at previous jobs.

Hegseth appeared before him Senate Armed Services Committee this week relatively unscathed amid questions from lawmakers.

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President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, testifies during his Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on January 14 in Washington, DC. ((Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images))

“Mr. Hegseth, the President’s pick for Secretary of Defense, has impressive academic qualifications, performed very well at the Senate Armed Services hearing, and has a commendable record of service in uniform. He assured me that he will surround himself with a strong support. team,” Cassidy said in a statement. “I will vote for his confirmation.”

Hegseth has received a wave of support from Republicans, including Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who previously raised concerns about his nomination.

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US Senator Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, attends a press conference at the US Capitol on August 5, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Sen. Tommy TubervilleRepublican from Alabama, said Hegseth passed his confirmation hearing with ” flying colors.”

“They tried to get on his nerves. They brought up all these anonymous accusations. He had an answer for every one of them,” Tuberville said at the time.

During their procedure, protesters were removed with zip ties after disrupting the hearing.

Democratic lawmakers also grilled Hegseth about his stance on women in combat rolesleading him to reject that his argument regarding women serving in the military centers on military standards not being eroded.

Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) (L) introduces President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, during his Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on Jan. 14 in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)

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“I want to point out that I have never disparaged women who serve in the military,” he told Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. “I respect every female service member who has worn the uniform, past and present. My criticisms, Senator, recently and in the past, and from personal experience, have been cases where I have seen standards lowered.” .