Dozens of military veterans and active service members are throwing their weight behind Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense, even as the former Fox News host navigates controversy surrounding his past.
A powerful letter signed by veterans who served directly with Hegseth in various combat zones and military installations has emerged, praising his leadership qualities.
“His selfless leadership, love of his soldiers, and commitment to the country are unparalleled,” the letter states, highlighting support from those who served alongside him in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Daily Caller, who first learned of the letter, noted that the nomination initially faced headwinds when allegations of misconduct surfaced, including a 2017 investigation into s*xual assault claims that resulted in no charges.
The outlet added that additional controversy erupted when The New York Times published a 2018 email from Hegseth’s mother expressing concerns about his treatment of women.
His mother has since appeared on Fox News to retract portions of her statement, however, saying the email was written in “haste.”
Resist the Mainstream reported earlier this month that a source spoke to Breitbart News alleging that Times reporter Sharon LaFraniere harbored animosity toward Hegseth and quoted her as saying “Pete Hegseth can’t be SECDEF and that she’s going to see to it.”
Daily Caller revealed that support for Hegseth has gained unexpected momentum following the letter, with a family member revealing a surge in military personnel contacting him directly.
“The stack of letters at their house each day of people mailing in just saying, ‘Hey, we’re with you. I’m reenlisting, or my son is enlisting because of you,'” the source disclosed to the outlet.
First Sergeant Eric Geressey, who served with Hegseth in Iraq for nearly two years, praised his former commander’s leadership style: “Pete is a patriot and was an outstanding platoon leader who always led from the front and placed the troops first.”
Daily Caller added that the Heritage Foundation reports that 831 additional veterans and military personnel have signed a letter supporting Hegseth’s nomination.
Former colleagues continue to vouch for his character and competence.
SSGT Cliff Meros of the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Brigade, described Hegseth as “a soldier’s soldier.”
He also shared that “[Hegseth] was very by the book,” adding, “He knew his stuff when a lot of Lieutenants don’t know what they are doing but he came experienced.”
A key development centers on Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran herself, who initially appeared skeptical of the nomination.
Daily Caller noted that after meeting with Hegseth on Monday, signs of warming relations emerged, with Ernst providing a positive statement to Punchbowl.
She has also denied reports that she was leading opposition to his nomination.
