Trump says support for Hegseth's nomination is "strong and deep"

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be defense secretary, on Friday morning received a vote of confidence from Trump, who said he's winning more support than media reports indicate.

"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. "He was a great student - Princeton/Harvard educated - with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!"

Hegseth has been meeting with Republican senators, fighting for his nomination amid allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and mismanagement of two veterans' organizations he ran. Among the senators who aren't ready to express outright support for him is Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, who told Fox News she had a "frank and thorough" conversation with him and said there needed to be "a very thorough vetting process."