Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) promised to vote for former Fox News host Pete Hegseth as President-elect Donald Trump's defense secretary, The Shreveport Times reported. Cassidy said he was impressed by Hegseth's conduct during the Senate Armed Services hearing this week.
Democrats hammered Hegseth over allegations of sexual misconduct, his alleged drinking on the job, and his opposition to women in combat. Many lawmakers took turns with "gotcha" questions and remarks that ultimately didn't land and may have convinced people like Cassidy that Hegseth was the man for the job.
The Army combat veteran received Republican support, including from Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), who had publicly expressed uneasiness about Hegseth. Cassidy met with Hegseth before expressing a willingness to vote for his confirmation.
“The President’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Mr. Hegseth, has impressive academic qualifications, conducted himself very well in the Senate Armed Services hearing, and has a commendable record of service in uniform. He assured me he will surround himself with a strong support team," Cassidy said.
Tuesday's hearing was vital to Hegseth's future in Trump's Cabinet as is the upcoming vote. If even one Republican votes against him on the Armed Services Committee, Hegseth's nomination would not make it to the Senate floor for a confirmation vote.
Cassidy's pledge was an important one as it all but guaranteed that his nomination will move forward. According to the New York Post, Hegseth can only afford to lose four votes in the upper chamber.
Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., celebrated Cassidy's pledge to vote for Hegseth in a post to X, formerly Twitter. "That’s 50 kids!!!" the younger Trump wrote on Friday.
"Secretary Hegseth — it’s a done deal. Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy makes decision on Trump nominee Pete Hegseth," Donald Trump Jr. shared with a link to the article announcing Cassidy's intention.
That’s 50 kids!!!🇺🇸
Secretary Hegseth — it’s a done deal
Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy makes decision on Trump nominee Pete Hegseth https://t.co/oAJmQKKwEm
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 17, 2025
Cassidy was clearly impressed with what Hegseth had to say at the hearing, as were other Republicans who had been on the fence previously. The nominee's opening statement included a pledge to restore the Defense Department to its core mission.
"When President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was — to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense. He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards, and readiness," Hegseth said.
"That’s it. That is my job," he added. By contrast, the Democrats who questioned Hegseth were interested in their usual grandstanding, but some ended up looking foolish themselves, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
"You are quite sure every General who serves should not go directly into the defense industry for 10 years, but you're not willing to make that same pledge?" Warren pushed after asking the question several times. "I'm not a General, Senator," Hegseth said as the room erupted in laughter.
Hegseth has been through the wringer and has come out the other side in one piece. He will likely become the next Defense Secretary, thanks in part to Cassidy's pledge and Donald Trump's determination to get things done.
