As Hegseth’s fight to take over the Pentagon lags, Trump isn’t trying to save him: sources

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, was back on Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with Republican lawmakers as allegations of misconduct continued to cloud his selection to lead the Pentagon.

Behind the scenes, Trump’s political team is working to determine where Republican senators stand on Hegseth, according to two people involved in the conversations. Trump’s advisers are fully aware that with such a slim Republican majority in the Senate, Hegseth’s fate could depend entirely on the women at the conference.

But Trump himself didn’t work the phones for Hegseth — as he did for Matt Gaetz, his original pick for attorney general who withdrew his name from consideration due to sexual assault allegations .

ABC News has learned that Trump told those close to him that Hegseth should have been more honest and open about the challenges he might face going through the confirmation process given his history.

There are nine Republican women serving in the Senate. So far, only one has backed Hegseth when asked by ABC News where he stands.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., publicly supported Hegseth on Fox News. She called him “the ideal person to come and reorganize” the Ministry of Defense.

Others have reservations or are hesitant to offer a formal position until they learn more about the candidate. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said she was “undecided.” Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., said only that she had a “good conversation” with him this week and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she was “obviously” concerned about some of the allegations made against him.

Sen. Joni Ernst, a key Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee that will hold his confirmation hearings, notably refused to express support for Hegseth after meeting with him Wednesday and then again Thursday on Fox News, which Trump is known to monitor.

Ernst told Fox News host Bill Hemmer that she had a “very frank” and “productive” discussion with Hegseth. When Hemmer pointed out to her that it didn’t seem like a yes on her confirmation, she responded, “I think you’re right.”

The Iowa Republican is the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate and herself a survivor of sexual assault. Hegseth has faced allegations of sexual assault (which he has denied) and has previously said that women should not serve in ground combat roles in the military.

Ernst is reportedly on a list of possible candidates to replace Hegseth, ABC News previously reported.

Hegseth told senators that his mother called senators on his behalf, according to sources familiar with the matter. He also told senators he was open to a background check, according to multiple sources.

In Wednesday’s meetings with Republican senators, Hegseth promised some that he would not drink alcohol if confirmed.

“The allegation was made that he was drunk on several occasions and so the questions that each member would ask him led to his statement,” said Sen. Roger Wicker, current ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and who should take over. presidency in January – presiding over Hegseth’s confirmation hearings.

Hegseth was scheduled to meet Thursday with Republican Senators Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Jim Banks of Indiana, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.

Hegseth told reporters as he walked through the Capitol that he spoke with Trump Thursday morning.

“He’s behind us all the way,” Hegseth said when ABC News’ Jay O’Brien asked him what Trump told him during their conversation.

Asked if he thought the votes should be confirmed, Hegseth dodged the question but said he was moving forward through the process.

ABC News’ Lauren Peller contributed to this report.