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President-elect Donald Trump still supports his defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth amid speculation of him considering another person for the role and the looming support of Republicans in the U.S. Senate.
"He's a very smart guy," Trump said of Hegseth. "I've known him through Fox, but I've known him for a long time. I mean, he's basically a military guy. I mean, every time I talk to him, all he wants to talk about is the military."
Hegseth facing drinking and sexual misconduct allegations. He has denied allegations that he mistreated women and told reporters on Capitol Hill this week "this will not be a process tried in the media. I don’t answer to anyone in this group. I answer to President Trump."
Two sources close to the matter told Fox News that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is being considered by Trump as a possible replacement for defense secretary if Hegseth doesn't work out. DeSantis, a Navy veteran, will be joining Trump next weekend at the annual Army-Navy college football game.
Hegseth also does not have the full backing of every GOP senator. He recently had a "substantive conversation" with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who has not committed to supporting Hegseth. It's expected the former National Guard officer will have more meetings with Republican senators next week after holding previous meetings with other senators to try and rally enough support to get confirmed.
In a post made to social media Friday, Trump added that "Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe."