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Trump’s pick for Pentagon chief vows to stop drinking alcohol if appointed

Some sources confirmed to The Hill that "Trump is weighing alternative options in the event Hegseth is forced to withdraw, though Trump has not yet signaled he’s giving up on Hegseth"

WASHINGTON, December 5. /TASS/. American TV host and former military officer Pete Hegseth, nominated by US President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Pentagon, has vowed to stop drinking alcohol if his appointment is approved by the Senate, The Hill reports.

According to the media outlet, on Wednesday, Hegseth "waged a significant effort to salvage his nomination, including by pledging to Republican senators that he would stop drinking if confirmed as secretary of defense."

ABC News reported earlier, citing sources, that an increasing number of US senators were reluctant to support Hegseth as secretary of defense. According to NBC News, lawmakers are concerned about sexual assault and drinking allegations against him.

The Hill notes that some "Republicans are also hoping to be spared the headache and embarrassment of public confirmation hearings in which women who have accused Hegseth of sexual misconduct or former colleagues who have accused him of unprofessional behavior might testify."

Two sources confirmed to The Hill that "Trump is weighing alternative options in the event Hegseth is forced to withdraw, though Trump has not yet signaled he’s giving up on Hegseth." Another source said that Trump had spoken with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis about the prospect of the top Pentagon job, "and DeSantis is open to the role."

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