WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 16, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) Utah’s newly elected U.S. Sen. John Curtis is endorsing former FOX News personality Pete Hegseth for U.S. Defense secretary.
Curtis announced his decision Wednesday night in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I take very seriously the role that the Senate has in the Constitution for advice and consent — and have spent significant time reviewing President Trump’s nominees, including his Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth.
“I’ve met with Mr. Hegseth, talked with many people who have known him in different roles, carefully watched his confirmation hearing, and even read his writings to better understand who he is,” Curtis wrote.
A day earlier Curtis told Politicos he was undecided on Hegseth’s nomination.
“For me, I can’t make a good decision, whether it’s somebody as controversial as Pete Hegseth, or non-controversial as Marco Rubio. If I don’t look at the entire sheet of music, and part of that will be hearings, FBI [background checks], right?”
By Wednesday night, however, Curtis had made up his mind, joining other previously doubting Republicans in endorsing Hegseth, including Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, whose support for the controversial nominee had been in question prior to Tuesday’s appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Ernst’s endorsement, along with Curtis’ support, has likely clinched Hegseth’s appointment as DOD chief.
“While there are actions from his past that give me pause, I carefully weighed these concerns against his qualifications, leadership style, and commitment to bolstering the world’s most respected military. I am confident Mr. Hegseth shares my vision of ensuring our armed services are prepared to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st century
“Our military is need of a change agent who will challenge the status quo, demand transparency and accountability, and ensure our allies and strategic partners have confidence in America’s commitment and capability to stand for freedom.
“My role in the Senate’s process is to ensure the President has a Cabinet that will help him succeed and serve the nation effectively. After careful consideration, I have decided to vote in favor of Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be Secretary of Defense.”
Vice President Kamala Harris conducts the ceremonial swearing-in ceremony with Senator John Curtis (R-UT) in the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 3, 2025. Photo by Leigh Vogel/UPI
