Rounds meets nominees Hegseth, Gabbard ahead of Senate confirmation process

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds says embattled Defense Department nominee Pete Hegseth has moved closer to having his full support for the position.

Defense Secretary nominee Hegseth has been shoring up support in the U.S. Senate.

Since President-elect Trump announced Hegseth’s nomination, the Fox News personality and Army National Guard veteran has been dogged by allegations of sexual assault as well as drinking problems.

Hegseth has said he will stop drinking and promises not to drink if he’s confirmed.

Speaking to conservative news outlet Newsmax, Rounds said he likes Hegseth, but that the nominee has a way to go.

“I see a path forward for him to be successful, but he’s going to have some challenges in that he will be in open discussion with a number of individuals who are going to ask him really tough questions about allegations that have been made," Rounds said. "The allegations that have been made have been anonymous in nature, which means he’s never had a chance to defend himself.”

Rounds said Hegseth deserves the opportunity to defend himself and correct any misinformation surrounding those allegations.

Rounds, who sits on the Senate Armed Services committee, declined to say if he was a yes on the nomination. However, he said Hegseth’s ideas about making the department more lethal were focused and that he felt comfortable with the discussion.

“He brings a fresh approach to the head of the department, itself. Different than when we’ve had generals step into that position," Rounds said. "In fact, the founding fathers, or at least a number of our laws, actually expect that you take someone that has not been directly involved with the department for a number of years. He meets that qualification."
 
Rounds met with National Intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard on Monday.

The U.S. Senate will start the formal cabinet secretary nomination process once the new Congress is sworn in.