Donald Trump has largely left his choice for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, to fight his own battle for winning approval of Republican Senators who will decide Hegseth's fate.
Reports have suggested Trump isn't working the phones for Hegseth, which is something he reportedly did do for his failed pick, Matt Gaetz. At least one GOP Senator has hedged her bets on whether she would support Hegseth.
On Friday, however, the president-elect stepped out of the shadows to make a statement on the issue.
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"Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe," Trump said on his Truth Social. "He was a great student - Princeton/Harvard educated - with a Military state of mind."
Trump added, "He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill."
"Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!" he then said.