The Daily Pete Hegseth Was Toast. The MAGA Swarm Came to His Rescue.
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Dec 16, 2024 
Karoun Demirjian is a Congressional reporter for The New York Times with a focus on national security, while Jonathan Swan covers politics and Trump’s campaigns. They delve into the tense saga of Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense, exploring Senator Joni Ernst's resistance fueled by concerns over military sexual assault and political ramifications. The duo discusses how Trump's allies mounted a campaign to diminish Ernst's skepticism, illustrating the high-stakes machinations and pressures within the GOP as they navigate internal disagreements.
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Hegseth's Controversial Nomination
- Trump chose Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host, as Secretary of Defense, surprising many.
- Allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and mismanagement of veteran nonprofits surfaced against Hegseth.
Ernst's Opposition
- Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran and advocate for sexual assault victims, opposed Hegseth.
- Her stance clashed with Hegseth's alleged actions and his views on women in combat.
Ernst's Public Dissent
- Ernst expressed reservations about Hegseth on Fox News, acknowledging the allegations against him.
- This public dissent put pressure on Trump, as Ernst's stance could influence other senators.