US Marine Stuart Scheller leads dozens of vets to rally support for Trump’s
Support Grows for Hegseth’s Pentagon Nomination
Defense Secretary designee Pete Hegseth is gaining momentum in his bid for Senate approval. On Wednesday, he received significant backing from Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, a Marine who became well-known for his outspoken criticism of military leadership during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Scheller, along with a group of veterans, visited numerous Senate offices to rally support for Hegseth, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump. Their efforts highlight a growing desire within the veteran community for a change in leadership at the Department of Defense (DoD).
Veterans Rally for Change
During their visit to the Senate, Lt. Col. Scheller led a group of over 18 veterans in a concerted effort to advocate for Hegseth. They split into two teams, meeting with various senators to discuss the importance of Hegseth’s nomination. Scheller emphasized the need for leaders who possess the courage to challenge the status quo. He stated, “We have empirical data demonstrating over 5k signatures from prominent veterans, generals, admirals, and junior service members supporting Pete Hegseth.” This impressive show of support indicates a strong desire for reform within the DoD.
The veterans targeted a diverse group of senators, including Democrats like John Fetterman and Mark Warner, as well as potential swing votes from the Republican side, such as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Scheller noted that while some senators openly support Hegseth, others are still forming their opinions. However, all senators allowed the veterans to present their case for Hegseth, highlighting the overwhelming support from the veteran community for an outsider to lead the DoD.
Hegseth’s nomination has not been without controversy. Shortly after his selection, allegations surfaced regarding past misconduct. Despite these claims, Hegseth has firmly denied any wrongdoing and has pointed to a police report from 2017 as evidence of his innocence. The unfolding situation has led to a cautious approach from some senators, who are waiting for further developments before making a final decision.
Senators Weigh Their Options
As the Senate considers Hegseth’s nomination, several senators have expressed their reservations. Initially, some Republican senators, including Joni Ernst, were skeptical about supporting Hegseth. However, after continued discussions and pressure from Trump supporters, Ernst shifted her stance and announced her support for Hegseth. This change reflects the complex dynamics at play as senators navigate their positions on the nomination.
Senators Collins and Murkowski have also been cautious in their responses. Collins stated, “I obviously always wait until we have an FBI background check and one is underway in the case of Mr. Hegseth.” Murkowski echoed a similar sentiment, indicating that she is open to further discussions but is awaiting the confirmation process to unfold. This careful approach underscores the importance of the upcoming confirmation hearing, where senators will have the opportunity to scrutinize Hegseth’s qualifications and address any concerns.
Support for Hegseth is not limited to the veterans advocating for him. Multiple individuals who served alongside him in combat have also expressed their backing. Traditionally, the DoD is led by individuals with extensive military or executive experience. Hegseth’s nomination marks a departure from this norm, as he has previously been considered for the role of Secretary of Veterans Affairs during Trump’s first term. As the confirmation process continues, the outcome remains uncertain, but the growing support from the veteran community may play a crucial role in shaping the final decision.
