Speaking on “Fox & Friends Weekend“ on Dec. 7, Johnson described the momentum behind Hegseth’s bid as ”moving the right way” and defended his qualifications and character amid ongoing controversy. He emphasized Hegseth’s military background and readiness to lead the Pentagon, despite allegations of past misconduct that have raised questions about the likelihood of Senate confirmation.

“I’m optimistic about it,“ Johnson said. ”I’ve talked to a number of senators personally on the Hill just over the last couple of days and it seems like the momentum’s moving the right way.”

Johnson added: “We’ve all made mistakes in our lives, but we believe in redemption.”

Hegseth, a former Army officer and Fox News host, has faced allegations including sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, although no charges were ever filed. This past week, The New Yorker published additional claims from a whistleblower report and other documents detailing alleged incidents of intoxication at work events, inappropriate conduct toward female staffers, and financial mismanagement during Hegseth’s tenure at Concerned Veterans for America. The allegations have drawn criticism, raising questions about whether Hegseth’s confirmation in the Senate will succeed.

A number of Fox News personalities, interviewees, and other staffers have taken to social media to defend the Fox News host from some of the reported claims.

Key Senate Republicans have signaled cautious support while calling for a thorough vetting process. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Hegseth and emphasized the importance of evaluating his record. “We just need to make sure that he is thoroughly vetted and that he has his opportunity to go in front of the committee, recount his service, and rebut any allegations,” Ernst said.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who previously expressed reservations, voiced optimism after meeting with Hegseth this week. “I see no reason at this point not to be supportive,” Cramer said, praising Hegseth’s readiness for the job. Similarly, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called the allegations “disturbing” but stressed that anonymous reports should not dictate decisions.

“If you’re not willing to raise your hand and make the accusation, it doesn’t count,” Graham said.

Trump has maintained unwavering support for Hegseth, dismissing negative coverage as “fake news.” In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump described Hegseth as a “fantastic, high-energy“ pick for the role of secretary of defense who would lead ”with charisma and skill.” The president-elect praised Hegseth’s military mindset and academic credentials, and called him a “WINNER.”

Despite the show of support, there has been media speculation that Trump’s transition team is considering alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, should Hegseth’s confirmation falter. Hegseth has dismissed such speculation and framed the scrutiny as a smear campaign aimed at derailing his nomination.

“I’m doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers,” Hegseth posted on X. “The Left is afraid of disrupters and change agents. They are afraid of [Trump] and me.”

With Republicans holding a narrow 53–47 majority in the Senate starting in January 2025, any defections could derail Hegseth’s nomination. Trump’s potential Cabinet has faced one setback, with former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), the initial nominee for attorney general, withdrawing after concerns were raised by Senate Republicans. Trump’s selection to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration also dropped out of contention.

Senate hearings for Trump’s nominees, including Hegseth, are expected to begin shortly after the president-elect’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

The first alarm bell started ringing when she endorsed Senator Marco Rubio for the Republican nomination for President in 2016. Her NeoCon, RINO leanings continued to emerge and have culminated with an unhinged battle against Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense.

Sean Davis from The Federalist noted on Friday that her Chief of Staff, Lisa Goeas, may be the puppet master pulling Ernst’s strings as she continues to make horrible decision after horrible decision:

I’m beginning to hear serious rumblings that the big problem in Joni Ernst’s office is not Ernst, but her chief of staff Lisa Goeas.

A former lobbyist and non-Iowan, Goeas is apparently behind the bulk of Ernst’s string of terrible decisions of late, including the George Floyd nonsense, transgender military insanity, Lloyd Austin/Merrick Garland support, and the anti-Hegseth jihad that now has the potential to end Ernst’s political career in Iowa.

Goeas, who is married to pollster Ed Goeas, was recently celebrated as a major Washington “power player” by Politico and was photographed at Mar-a-Lago living it up with Trump and Elon Musk before deciding to go to war against Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee to run the Pentagon.

Many close to President Trump are deeply suspicious that Ernst can be trusted on initiatives like DOGE give Ernst’s and Goeas’s behind-the-scenes efforts to knife Hegseth.

I’m beginning to hear serious rumblings that the big problem in Joni Ernst’s office is not Ernst, but her chief of staff Lisa Goeas.

A former lobbyist and non-Iowan, Goeas is apparently behind the bulk of Ernst’s string of terrible decisions of late, including the George Floyd… pic.twitter.com/B5rCZgjUMv

— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) December 6, 2024

Some are suggesting the only way she can salvage her once-promising political career is to immediately end her war with Hegseth, but as I noted on my latest podcast, it’s too late. She’s far beyond redemption and should be primaried during her next election in 2026.