WASHINGTON — Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s most controversial picks for positions in his second administration are back on Capitol Hill seeking to shore up support among senators ahead of their confirmation hearings, set to kick off next week. 

Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Defense, was back at the Capitol this week for another round of meetings as he looks to fend off concerns over an alleged sexual assault in 2017 and a media report detailing accusations of troubling drinking habits and sexual behavior as well as financial management in a previous role.

What You Need To Know

  • Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s most controversial picks for positions in his second administration are back on Capitol Hill seeking to shore up support among senators ahead of their confirmation hearings, set to kick off next week
  • Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Defense was seen leaving the office of Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday
  • Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the president-elect’s pick for director of national intelligence, kicked off meetings on Tuesday, including one with the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, as well as one with Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville
  • It comes as the dates in which committees will hold confirmation hearings for key administration roles are starting to take shape

 

The former Fox News host and combat veteran was seen leaving the office of Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee Wednesday afternoon, telling CNN on the way out that he had a “great discussion.” 

“Enjoyed talking to him,” Hegseth added. 

Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a longtime Democrat who switched parties and is the president-elect’s pick for director of national intelligence, kicked off meetings on Tuesday, including one with the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, as well as one with Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville. 

“She’s got my support 110%,” Tuberville declared as he and Gabbard emerged from their meeting. 

He added that the pair discussed trust, stressing the importance of the American people having confidence in those running the country, particularly in intelligence roles. 

Gabbard told the press after the meeting that she has “extended invitations” to other Democratic senators other than Warner to meet with her and said she spoke with Trump on Monday. 

It comes as the dates in which committees will hold confirmation hearings for key administration roles are starting to take shape. The Senate Armed Services Committee, for instance, scheduled Hegseth’s nomination for a hearing on Tuesday of next week.