In a pivotal moment for Pete Hegseth’s bid to become Secretary of Defense, Senator Bill Hagerty announced his support for the embattled nominee during a conversation with CNN. The endorsement provides a significant boost as Hegseth faces mounting skepticism from within his own party over his qualifications and readiness to lead the Pentagon.

“Well, I’d say this: I was just with Pete meeting with a large group of House members, and he had an ovation that was resounding,” Hagerty said. “I think that Pete is, as people get to know him again, as people get to see his deliberation, his deliberate stance on trying to repair the Pentagon, try to fix our recruiting crisis, our retention crisis, I think people are overwhelmingly supportive of him.”

The stakes are high as Hegseth seeks to lead the Department of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

His nomination has become a flashpoint, with critics questioning whether his outspoken media persona and political commentary translate into effective leadership in a military apparatus burdened by a recruiting shortfall, retention struggles, and a need for modernization.