President-elect Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that Trump encouraged him to continue his confirmation fight despite mounting allegations about his personal conduct.
Hegseth, a former Fox News contributor and Army veteran, spoke with reporters at the U.S. Capitol after a conversation with Trump earlier in the day. The nominee faces scrutiny over allegations related to his personal behavior, but he signaled no intention of withdrawing from consideration.
“I spoke to the President-elect this morning. He said, ‘Keep going, keep fighting,” Hegseth told reporters. “Why would I back down? I’ve always been a fighter.”
Hegseth emphasized his focus on meeting with senators to discuss his qualifications for the Pentagon’s top leadership position. He did not directly address whether he had considered stepping aside despite the controversy surrounding his nomination.
Recent reports have raised questions about Hegseth’s past conduct, prompting increased scrutiny of his suitability for the role. The Secretary of Defense position is one of the most influential in the federal government, overseeing the Department of Defense and advising the president on national security matters.
Supporters of Hegseth point to his military service and combat experience as qualifications for the post. Critics argue that the allegations warrant careful examination before any confirmation vote takes place.
With public backing from Trump and continued meetings on Capitol Hill, Hegseth is signaling his intention to pursue confirmation rather than withdraw. Whether that support will prove sufficient for approval remains uncertain at this stage of the process.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.