MAGA rep waves off Hegseth assault allegations: 'We've all had discretions in our past'

Fox News personality Pete Hegseth faces a rocky path to being confirmed as President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of defense, amid a sexual assault allegation and accusations from former colleagues that he has a drinking problem.

But far-right Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) isn't concerned about any of these issues — as he made clear on air with right-wing student organization leader Charlie Kirk.

"I think Pete Hegseth was an exceptional pick," said Roy, who previously caused controversy over his racist remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris. "I know he's under fire in the Senate, but he's under fire from squishy senators who have been against everything we want to do. And so I hope Pete holds the line all the way through. I'm defending him, and we should all defend him."

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"You know, look, we've all had discretions in our past and things like that, every human has," he continued. "But good grief, Pete Hegseth — I, you know, he's got the support of so many people, and he represents somebody who would take on the defense establishment, and we need that, desperately need that."

Despite Roy's full-throated defense, a number of Republicans are reportedly unable to commit to voting for Hegseth, with reports this week indicating up to a dozen GOP senators leaning against him. Insiders in Trump's orbit have indicated the president-elect is considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Hegseth, for his part, has given no indications of withdrawing, telling reporters that he's "standing right here in this fight."

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