Trump voices support for embattled nominee Hegseth

President-elect Trump on Friday offered support for his nominee to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, amid questions about whether allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking will doom his chances of being confirmed.

"Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe," Trump posted on Truth Social, praising Hegseth as a "great student" with a "Military state of mind."

"He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill," the president-elect continued. "Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!"

The post marked the first time Trump has publicly weighed in to support Hegseth as he faces mounting questions about his nomination.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army veteran, has seen his nomination pushed to the brink in the face of mounting allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and other controversial behavior in his previous jobs. 

He has spent the week meeting with GOP senators and vowing he will not back down.

Hegseth can only afford three Republican “no” votes in next year’s 53-seat Senate Republican majority and still be confirmed, assuming all Democrats vote against him.

Sources confirmed to The Hill earlier this week that Trump had raised the possibility of nominating Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), his one-time fierce primary rival, to lead the Pentagon if Hegseth's nomination falters.