Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, continues to face intense scrutiny as his confirmation hearings draw closer.

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and combat veteran, has encountered challenges stemming from controversies surrounding his record and personal life.

Despite the criticism, he remains a key figure in Trump’s plans to shape his administration’s defense strategy.

Celebrate Trump's Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

On Tuesday, Trump’s Cabinet nominees returned to Capitol Hill to shore up support from Republican senators.

Hegseth, in particular, has been actively courting lawmakers to secure his confirmation.

Among those weighing in on the controversy was Geraldo Rivera, a veteran broadcaster and Fox News personality, who offered a strong endorsement during a CNN panel discussion.

Rivera highlighted Hegseth’s military service and leadership as defining qualities for the role.

“I know Pete, Major Pete, I call him, pretty well,” Rivera began. “Being on Fox & Friends weekend for those many years, sitting on the couch with him, sharing the couch, been out with him. I thought, as Scott mentions, that he was on the ropes for a lot of the stuff coming up.”

Rivera referred to concerns raised during Hegseth’s confirmation process, including previously undisclosed controversies.

However, Rivera shifted focus to what he described as Hegseth’s defining moment: the vocal support of his fellow combat veterans.

“But then Pete did something, Major Pete did something that I think is the difference between a combat veteran and the rest of the world,” Rivera continued.

“What Pete did was go to his combat brothers, and it was they who started speaking out on his behalf, talking about his courage, talking about how he never allowed his men to get in front of him in a hot zone.”

Rivera added, “I think that’s what the Defense Department needs. That’s what the Pentagon needs. And I think that realization swept subtly, but I think with growing momentum, through Washington, D.C., that if you haven’t served the country in combat, then shut up. Or, you know, you better respect the people who have.”

Hegseth has long been a vocal advocate for veterans’ issues and a frequent commentator on military and defense policy.

His nomination reflects Trump’s emphasis on selecting individuals who align with his administration’s goals and demonstrate loyalty to his vision.

Central to the controversy surrounding Hegseth’s nomination are allegations related to his personal behavior, including claims about post-service drinking.

Hegseth has publicly acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to civilian life after combat but denies that his drinking has ever risen to the level of alcoholism.

Additionally, allegations regarding his conduct toward women, including claims from his ex-wife, have been refuted by his mother and others who have worked closely with him.

Hegseth has spent significant time on Capitol Hill addressing these controversies and rallying support from Republican senators.

Among those who have recently voiced support is Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), who transitioned from skepticism to favoring his nomination.

President-elect Trump has stood firmly behind Hegseth, emphasizing his qualifications and commitment to the administration’s defense priorities.

As confirmation hearings continue this week, Republican leaders aim to advance Hegseth’s and other key nominees ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

Despite the challenges, Hegseth’s supporters point to his military service and leadership as reasons to back his nomination, framing him as a candidate uniquely equipped to lead the Department of Defense.

The outcome of his confirmation process will serve as a pivotal moment for the incoming administration as it seeks to solidify its leadership team.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.