In a pivotal moment for Pete Hegseth’s bid to become Secretary of Defense,

Senator Bill Hagerty announced his support for the embattled nominee during

a conversation with CNN. The endorsement provides a significant boost as

Hegseth faces mounting skepticism from within his own

party over his qualifications and readiness to lead the Pentagon.

“Well, I’d say this: I was just with Pete meeting with a large group of House

members, and he had an ovation that was resounding,” Hagerty said.

“I think that Pete is, as people get to know him again, as people get

to see his deliberation, his deliberate stance on trying to repair the

Pentagon, try to fix our recruiting crisis, our retention crisis,

I think people are overwhelmingly supportive of him.”

The stakes are high as Hegseth seeks to lead the Department of Defense under

President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. His nomination has become a flashpoint,

with critics questioning whether his outspoken media persona and political commentary

translate into effective leadership in a military apparatus burdened by a

recruiting shortfall, retention struggles, and a need for modernization.