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special: A growing number of famous veterans is signing an open letter to Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth as he fights charges that could block his confirmation.
The Heritage Foundation collected signatures Thursday and collected more than 74 signatures in a short period of time, foundation officials told Fox News Digital.
“As a veteran and a patriotic American, We are pleased to see an outstanding veteran named to lead the Department of Defense,” the letter begins.
“Hegseth is a highly decorated veteran. who serves as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard. deployed overseas to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. It received two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge.”
Hegseth said he would. ‘Standing here in this battle’
The veteran said Hegseth. “Working tirelessly” to support U.S. troops And his experience and drive will lead him to rebuild the army back to “A fighting force . . . that can protect the national security interests of the American people.”
They cited Hegseth’s long-standing position on the matter. “Depoliticizing” the military and arguing against “DEI”-type policies and other “toxic ideologies” they claim have been directed at the military in recent years.
“Ending awareness is only the beginning. The Pentagon is also full of bureaucracy and waste. The defense industrial base has failed to deliver,” the veterans wrote.
“Excessive costs and delays have become the norm. The Department of Defense needs a defense secretary who is willing to confront both an entrenched bureaucracy and the defense industry. and force them to deliver the ships, aircraft, and weapons our troops need to confront America’s enemies.”
TRUMP FLOATS DESANTIS is potential secretary replacement if Hegseth FALTS
Sen. Mike Rounds, R.S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (left), meets with Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense. At the Capitol in Washington On Thursday, Dec. 10, Oct. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Dan Caldwell is a veteran of the Marine Corps Security Force and Camp David. which along with his fellow counselors at American Rehabilitation Center. Marine Joseph Wade Miller has served three times. signed the letter
They join at least 40 other prominent veterans in supporting Hegseth’s nomination. Meanwhile, the former co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” faces allegations of alcohol abuse and mistreatment of women.
Eddie Gallagher from the Pipe Hitters Foundation also signed the letter. Gallagher launches non-profit organization focused on veteran protection. After being found not guilty in a war crimes trial
James Jay Carafano, Rob Greenway, Wilson Beaver, Steve Bucci and Jeremy Hayes are all decorated veterans who are mentors or friends of the foundation. Heritage Sign the missile
The letter also addresses the previous administration’s inability to secure the southern border and restore peace in Eurasia.
“Pete Hegseth shares these priorities. and is ready to carry out the agenda of the Supreme Commander on the first day As a proud American veteran We stand with him and the president in this historic effort,” they wrote.
Kevin Roberts, President, Heritage Foundation Hexeth is called “The right fighter for America” and one ready to “clear out” the Pentagon.
“At a time when expansive and active initiatives are detracting from our Army’s core warfighting mission, We need a Secretary like Pete who has served in combat and supported veterans on Capitol Hill,” Roberts said in a separate letter.
Victoria Coates, former national security adviser to both Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas; said Hegseth would be “A real breath of fresh air in the stale halls of the Pentagon.”
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Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense Traveling to meet with Sen. Ted Budd, R.N.C., in the Russell Senate Office Building on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) (Tom Williams)
on Thursday Hegseth said he refuses to back down from the fight. Because his nomination is still in limbo. Amid allegations of drinking and sexual misconduct He has denied any wrongdoing.
“We had a great conversation about who I am and what I believe,” Hegseth said of his meeting with the senator. “And to be honest. I am the man I am today. Because of my faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my wife Jenny, I am different here than I was many years ago.”
The exchange comes after the leak of a critical letter that Hegseth’s mother, Penelope, wrote to him several years ago about his relationships with women. However, Penelope Hegseth told Fox News on Wednesday that She wrote the email in a heated moment and later apologized.
Multiple sources reported to Fox News that Trump is considering his former primary opponent. That would be Florida Governor Ron DeSantis – a retired Lieutenant Commander – in the top job at the Defense Department in case Hegseth stumbles.
Fox News’ Louis Casiano contributed to this report.–
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