Trump Says It’d Be A ‘Tragedy’ If Pete Hegseth Doesn’t Get Confirmed

Donald Trump is going all in on his controversial pick to lead the Pentagon.

The incoming president vigorously backed his secretary of defense nominee, Pete Hegseth, during a news conference Monday in Palm Beach, Florida, saying it would be a “tragedy” if he doesn’t end up in his Cabinet.

Trump appeared to acknowledge the fact that Hegseth has faced heavy scrutiny as he told reporters that the former Fox News host was “making tremendous strides” in his bid to get confirmed by the Senate.

Earlier this month, NBC reported that Hegseth’s nomination was in jeopardy after multiple Senate Republicans expressed concern over allegations of heavy drinking and sexual misconduct against him. Hegseth has denied the claims.

Sources who spoke to The Associated Press said lawmakers’ wariness even prompted Trump to consider tapping Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the top military position instead.

But at his news briefing, the Republican expressed full confidence in Hegseth, whom he called a “natural” fit to head the Department of Defense.

Trump told reporters that the former weekend “Fox & Friends” co-host, who left the network last month, was making a huge sacrifice to leave his television career to seek confirmation for the Cabinet position.

“You know, Pete Hegseth gave up a lot, because he was going big places in Fox. Big, big places. A lot of money,” Trump claimed. “And he didn’t even hesitate when I said, Do you want to do this? He said, ‘Absolutely!’”

Though the president-elect said he warned Hegseth that he would be abandoning a successful entertainment career by going into government, the Army National Guard veteran reportedly told Trump he would be honored to serve his country again.

“He said, ‘I don’t care; I have to do it for my country,’” Trump said. “He gave up a tremendous amount. if this doesn’t work, it would be a tragedy. Because, but that’s what he loves, he loves the military.”

Over the weekend, Trump appeared to signal his support for Hegseth by inviting him to attend the annual Army-Navy football game. They were also joined by Vice President-elect JD Vance, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and DeSantis.