\u201cI’m here with the support of President Donald Trump. As long as he supports me, which he told me this morning, I’ll be here,\u201d Hegseth said from Capitol Hill when asked if there were any circumstances under which he would withdraw his name for the position.<\/p>\n

The Fox host continues to meet with senators<\/a> in efforts to secure confirmation votes amid allegations of sexual assault and a problematic drinking habit, both of which he has denied. It\u2019s unclear if the efforts will be enough, as Blue Light News previously reported Trump is considering nominating Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace Hegseth<\/a>. The president-elect is eager to know the details of Hegseth’s meetings, Playbook reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When asked what he is telling senators regarding his drinking \u2014 amid reports that he has vowed to stop drinking<\/a> if he is confirmed \u2014 Hegseth replied, \u201cthat\u2019s why I\u2019m telling senators and not you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who is seen as a critical barometer for Hegseth\u2019s support among Senate Republicans, told Fox News earlier Thursday that she is not ready to vote yes<\/a>on Hegseth\u2019s confirmation after meeting with the nominee for a \u201cfrank and thorough\u201d conversation on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Hegseth maintained Thursday that his meetings have been \u201cgreat\u201d thus far.<\/p>\n

\u201cSenators give great advice and this is how the process works. It’s not going to be tried out here, it’s going to be discussed inside the offices,\u201d he said. \u201cHow we rebuild our military, put the war fighters first, that’s what Donald Trump \u2014 President Trump has asked me to do, and that’s what we will continue to do.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"