Veterans, active military members sign letter supporting Pete Hegseth as DOD head

Over 40 veterans and active military members signed onto a letter sent Monday expressing their support for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as defense secretary, as his nomination has faced pushback. 

"We, the undersigned, served directly with Pete Hegseth in the US military — either in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, Afghanistan, or in various units," the letter, obtained by the Daily Caller, stated. "We come from all ranks and different experiences, but have one core thing in common: we FULLY support Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Defense." 

"His selfless leadership, love of his soldiers, and commitment to the country are unparalleled," the letter continued. "And his tireless dedication to those things has never stopped and never waivered. He is the fighter we served with, and the fighter our troops need today." 

A close family member told the outlet that Hegseth has received countless text messages and emails following his nomination of military personnel saying they have reenlisted, and others expressing their support for Hegseth.  

"His wife, Jen was just telling me today, the stack of letters at their house each day of people mailing in just saying, like, 'Hey, we’re with you. I’m reenlisting, or my son is enlisting because of you,'" the family member said.  

First Sgt. Eric Geressey, who served with Hegseth in Iraq for nearly two years and signed on to the letter, said, "Pete is a patriot and was an outstanding platoon leader who always led from the front and placed the troops first. He would always listen to the advice of his NCOs, assess the entire situation and then make the best decision possible at that time." 

Since Hegseth’s nomination, The New York Times published an email from Hegseth’s mother, in which she claimed he mistreated his then-wife. Hegseth’s mother sent an email just hours later apologizing for it to Hegseth. Other reports citing anonymous sources have claimed that Hegseth had drinking issues while working at Fox News. His former cohosts have denied this. Reports have also resurfaced about sexual misconduct claims against him by a woman, but no charges were filed. 

Hegseth has also received the support of Navy SEALs and other servicemembers, who have vowed to march in Washington DC on the day of his confirmation hearing to express their support.