'Yes, I do': Donald Trump sticks by Pete Hegseth in interview as allies cast doubts
Donald Trump is publicly sticking by Pete Hegseth as his choice for defense secretary even as the president-elect's allies tell USA Today there are doubts he can survive the Senate confirmation process.
"It looks like Pete is doing well now," Trump said on “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker" in a sit-down interview set to air Sunday. "I mean, people were a little bit concerned. He's a young guy, with a tremendous track record actually."
Yet two sources close to Trump said Friday the 44-year-old former Fox News host and Army veteran doesn't appear to have the necessary votes to be the incoming administration's top man at the Pentagon.
There are already reports that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Navy veteran, is being given consideration for the role. Asked by Welker if he remains confident in Hegseth, however, Trump said: "Yes, I do, I really do."
But Trump admits he hasn't received much assurances from GOP senators, who will control the upper chamber that must confirm his nominees.
"I’ve had a lot of senators call me up saying he's fantastic," he said.
Trump asked about Hegseth's drinking
Hegseth has been besieged by a series of troubling allegations since being elevated as Trump's defense nominee, including accusations of sexual assault a hotel in 2017 and misconduct while working for veteran's charity groups.
A lawyer representing Hegseth told USA TODAY these claims are "totally false" and have been "thoroughly investigated and debunked."
Earlier in the week while meeting with senators he addressed reports of being repeatedly intoxicated in his previous role as president of the nonprofit Concerned Veterans for America, even to the point of having to be carried out of the group's events.
Hegseth has denied the reports, but also pledged that he won't drink "a drop of alcohol" if confirmed.
Trump has often talked about his aversion to drinking and was asked by Welker if he's concerned about the reports orbiting his defense nominee.
"But I've spoken to people that know him very well and they say he does not have a drinking problem," Trump said.
Contributing: Nick Penzenstadler and Zac Anderson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Yes, I do' Trump stands by Hegseth as defense nominee faces scrutiny