The Daily
Pete Hegseth Was Toast. The MAGA Swarm Came to His Rescue.
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.
26:52
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense faced scrutiny primarily due to past allegations, notably impacting Senator Joni Ernst's support.
- Intense pressure tactics from Trump's allies, including threats of political retribution, ultimately coerced Senator Ernst into supporting Hegseth's nomination.
Deep dives
Controversy Surrounding Pete Hegseth's Nomination
Pete Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense faced significant scrutiny due to numerous allegations from his past, including sexual assault and professional misconduct. His controversial background raised alarms among senators, particularly Joni Ernst, whose own history as a female combat veteran conflicted with Hegseth's views and allegations. As a result, several Republican senators began expressing discomfort with supporting Hegseth, fearing potential backlash during a time when their majority was narrow. The situation was dire for the Trump administration as losing Ernst's vote could jeopardize Hegseth's confirmation.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
