Pete Hegseth Says Trump Told Him ‘Keep Fighting’ Amid Allegations

Pete Hegseth Vows to Continue Nomination Fight After Speaking With Trump

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Defense, has indicated that he has no intention of stepping aside despite facing growing scrutiny and allegations related to his personal conduct. Speaking with reporters at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Hegseth emphasized that he remains committed to the confirmation process and plans to continue meeting with lawmakers as he seeks support for his nomination.

The former Fox News contributor and Army veteran has recently found himself at the center of controversy following reports that raised questions about his personal behavior and past conduct. Despite the mounting attention surrounding these allegations, Hegseth projected confidence and determination during a brief hallway interview with members of the press.

According to Hegseth, he spoke directly with President-elect Donald Trump earlier in the day. During that conversation, Trump reportedly encouraged him to remain focused on the nomination process and continue pushing forward.

“I spoke to the President-elect this morning. He said, ‘Keep going, keep fighting,’” Hegseth told reporters. “Why would I back down? I’ve always been a fighter.”

His comments appeared to signal that he intends to remain in consideration for the Pentagon’s top leadership position regardless of the challenges currently facing his nomination. Hegseth’s supporters have pointed to his military service, leadership experience, and strong advocacy for military personnel as reasons he should continue to be considered for the role.

When reporters asked whether he had considered withdrawing his name from consideration due to the ongoing allegations, Hegseth avoided directly addressing the possibility. Instead, he emphasized the purpose of his visit to Capitol Hill, noting that he was focused on meeting with senators and discussing his qualifications for the position.

“I’m here meeting with senators,” he said, indicating that those discussions would continue throughout the confirmation process.

The nomination of Hegseth has attracted significant attention because the Secretary of Defense position is one of the most influential roles in the federal government. The individual selected for the post oversees the Department of Defense, manages military operations, and advises the president on national security matters. As a result, nominees often face extensive examination from lawmakers and the public before a confirmation vote takes place.

Supporters of Hegseth argue that his combat experience and military background make him well-suited for the role. Critics, however, contend that the allegations surrounding him deserve careful review before any final decision is made.

For now, Hegseth appears determined to move forward. Backed publicly by President-elect Trump and continuing his meetings with senators, he is signaling that he intends to fight for confirmation rather than step aside. Whether that support will be enough to secure approval remains uncertain, but his latest remarks make clear that he has no plans to withdraw from consideration at this stage of the process.