Hegseth meeting 'did not relieve my concerns' — and led to 'more questions': senator

A Democratic senator who met with embattled Cabinet nominee Pete Hegseth said the meeting didn't assuage any concerns — and may have done the opposite.

President-elect Donald Trump tapped the Fox News weekend co-host to head the Pentagon, leading to an outcry from critics who questioned Hegseth's qualifications. Shortly thereafter, a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth came to light.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement Wednesday that he met with Hegseth — and didn't come away confident.

"Today's meeting did not relieve my concerns about Mr. Hegseth's lack of qualifications and raised more questions than answers," he said. "As with any nominee for this critical position, Mr. Hegseth must undergo the same high-level of scrutiny as prior Secretary of Defense nominees."

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Even with Reed's comments, Hegseth appears to have enough support to survive his upcoming hearing.

Senate Majority Leader John ThuneJohn Thune privately told Trump he believes Hegseth has the votesHegseth has the votes to be confirmed, CBS News reported Sunday, citing three sources.

That report came after Sen. Joni Ernst, a fellow member of the Armed Services Committee and a combat veteran, appeared to reverse course on her hesitation after meeting with him a second time, and indicated she'd be "supporting him through this process." However, She did not say whether she would ultimately vote in favor of his confirmation.